Zhao Song: My father was Emperor Taizu of Song

Chapter 38, Sixth Brother

Looking at the land deed in his hand, Zhang Dejun froze on the spot, tears welling up in his eyes uncontrollably.

He initially thought that Zhao Dezhao's refusal to accept the money was because he was blaming him for accepting gifts from outsiders without permission. However, he never expected that His Highness's concern was entirely for his safety!

Hearing the concern and sincerity in His Highness's words, Zhang Dejun felt a warm current well up from the bottom of his heart. He suddenly felt that everything he had done was worthwhile!

"Your Highness, this money... cannot be refunded!"

Zhang Dejun wiped away the tears welling in his eyes, shook his head, and said firmly, "I know this money isn't so easy to accept, but Your Highness, what do you think..."

"Even if I don't accept this money, given that person's methods, there's no guarantee he won't come after others."

"Rather than letting someone whose background I don't know be bribed by him, it's better for me to take the money. That way, if he does anything that would be detrimental to Your Highness in the future, I can detect it immediately and inform Your Highness to take precautions!"

It must be said that the eunuchs who have survived in the deep palace to this day are quite shrewd, and their words are indeed very insightful.

Zhao Dezhao also realized that he had been too concerned and made a mistake.

With his uncle's connections, if he could find Zhang Dejun, he could find Ma Dejun, Liu Dejun...

Rather than that, it would be better to let Zhang Dejun play along with his plan.

Thinking of this, Zhao Dezhao stopped mentioning the return of the land deed, and instead gently patted Zhang Dejun's shoulder, saying with gratitude and relief:

"It is said that top strategists can immerse themselves in the game and win by half a move. Judging from this, you already have the qualities of a top strategist."

"But you should keep this money yourself."

Zhao Dezhao still felt somewhat embarrassed about taking money from his subordinates.

He didn't really care whether Zhang Dejun was greedy or not. He believed that if the water was too clear, there would be no fish. As long as Zhang Dejun was loyal to him, it didn't matter how much he embezzled.

Just don't be greedy.

Feeling the weight on his shoulders and hearing the words of gratitude in his ears, Zhang Dejun felt even more certain that his decision was correct.

"Your Highness, as a prince, is short of money. There must be an urgent matter that requires funds. It would be more appropriate to entrust the money to Your Highness for your disposal!"

Zhang Dejun's gaze was firm as he handed over the land deed again. Fearing Zhao Dezhao might refuse, he hurriedly added:

"Your Highness, please do not refuse! I have already decided to follow you, and all my wealth and honor in this life will be devoted to you."

"Your Highness's wealth and honor are my only means of prosperity. I only hope that Your Highness will not forget me in the future..."

Hearing these heartfelt words, it would be a lie to say that Zhao Dezhao was not moved.

This was the first time since he transmigrated that someone had followed him so devotedly.

Although he knew in his heart that Zhang Dejun did this not only out of gratitude for the help he had given him that day, but more importantly, to increase his importance and usefulness in his heart.

From Zhang Dejun's perspective.

He was the eldest son of the Song Dynasty emperor, the most likely candidate to inherit the throne, and had shown him considerable goodwill.

Eunuchs are still human beings.

When the master they serve may be the future emperor, they will bet everything on him, even more recklessly and without regard for the consequences than anyone else!

Throughout history, this has been the case for all eunuchs.

Even if one understands the implications, it is difficult for anyone to be moved by such a heavy trust and following, let alone Zhao Dezhao from later generations.

He patted Zhang Dejun on the shoulder again, his expression solemn, and said:

"Why bother calling yourself a petty person anymore!"

"We two should support each other through thick and thin, and share both wealth and poverty. From now on, before me, you shall address yourself as my subject!"

Your Highness has instructed me to refer to myself as...your subject?

Zhang Dejun was stunned for a moment.

Only high-ranking court officials were qualified!

I never imagined that I, a eunuch, would one day receive such an honor.

Just as Zhang Dejun was deeply moved, Zhao Dezhao made another weighty promise, his tone resolute:

"If I ascend the throne in the future, as long as you remain loyal, you will be the Marquis of Chaoxiang of my Great Song Dynasty!"

候？

Can I be granted a title of nobility?

The two big pancakes that were thrown down left Zhang Dejun completely dumbfounded. Even though he didn't know who the Marquis of Chaoxiang was, he knew the weight of a marquis!

Zhang Dejun took a deep breath, without the slightest doubt about Zhao Dezhao's words. After spending these days together, he had already seen that the prince in front of him was by no means the kind of person who would break his word.

He knew that Zhao Dezhao was the perfect opportunity for him to change his fate!

Now that he has decided to follow His Highness, he will go on without hesitation!

That's just Zhang Dejun's personality!

"Your Highness, please accept my sincere offer!"

Zhang Dejun knelt on one knee, holding the land deed high above his head with both hands, his posture extremely respectful, to express his thoughts.

I, Zhang Dejun, have only—

loyalty!

Zhao Dezhao did not immediately take the land deed. Instead, he stepped forward, helped him up with both hands, hesitated for a moment, and then solemnly accepted the land deed, saying earnestly:

"Consider this money a loan. I'll pay you back double in less than three months."

After all, these were loyal followers of his, and Zhao Dezhao felt somewhat guilty accepting such a large sum of money for no reason.

But he desperately needed start-up capital, and this land deed was a godsend for him.

All I can say is thank you to that kind uncle!

After putting the land deed away, Zhao Dezhao suddenly remembered something important and quickly asked:

"By the way, is there still no news about Wang Ji'en?"

"Your Highness, I have inquired throughout the palace and searched through the entire register of eunuchs, but I have not found anyone named 'Wang Ji'en'..."

Zhang Dejun frowned, his tone tinged with confusion, "It's as if this person doesn't even exist in the Forbidden City."

"Perhaps... I've remembered it wrong?" Now Zhao Dezhao was also a little unsure, and could only advise:

"We need to continue searching for this person. Please let me know as soon as you have any news."

"Also, you must be extra careful with Shi Zaixi; keep your eyes open in everything you do!"

"Your subject understands." Zhang Dejun nodded earnestly.

Seeing that Zhang Dejun was not taking it lightly, Zhao Dezhao was also relieved. After spending these days together, he also discovered that Zhang Dejun did have many admirable qualities.

She is quick-witted, decisive, and has extremely high emotional intelligence. She is both shrewd and insightful.

This kind of person is very suitable for doing great things.

To gain the loyalty of this person is no less than a windfall for oneself.

……

Afternoon, 1-3 PM, Martial Arts Hall.

The sun was high in the sky, and the square was spacious and open. Several rows of weapon racks stood around the square, with long spears, short blades, axes, halberds, hooks, and forks all available, their blades gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

When Zhao Dezhao, dressed in a moon-white outfit, arrived, he found a familiar figure already waiting for him.

"Tyranny! You are invincible!"

He stepped forward and patted Li Jilong on the shoulder heavily.

Li Jilong turned around, a pure smile on his small face, and retorted, "Your Highness, you are invincible!"

"Your Highness, please don't be so formal. We've grown up together since we were little, so we should address each other as brothers."

Zhao Dezhao winked and pretended to think for a moment before saying, "I'm ten years old this year, and you're eleven. Hmm... then I'll be the older brother, and you can be the younger brother."

With that, Zhao Dezhao bowed respectfully with a solemn expression, saying, "Second Brother!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jilong's small face was filled with great confusion.

"Big brother, aren't I supposed to be older? How come I'm the second oldest...?"