1101 AD.

Fourth Year of Yuanfu, July 3rd.

Today's hour is Yin.

In ancient times, Yin hour was roughly equivalent to three o'clock in the morning.

Generally speaking.

Even in a dynasty like Great Song without a curfew, by the Yin hour, all households would have already extinguished their lights and returned home.

Except for a few drunken people and night watchmen, there would hardly be any sound on the streets.

But today, Bianjing was an exception.

Not only was it not as quiet as usual, it was rather extremely noisy, and the air was filled with a sense of solemnity and murderous intent.

Hours ago.

A large number of organized troops had flooded into the city from outside and guarded all major exits, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving without permission.

Meanwhile, they conducted strict searches of the households near Vermilion Bird Gate, confiscating a large amount of privately owned weapons and knives.

The Imperial Guard Infantry's high-profile lockdown was not due to another upheaval in the imperial palace but because...

Today is the day Xiaozhao ascends the throne.

....

Outside the Kaifeng Prefecture Government Office.

The newly appointed Prefect Xie Wenguang was standing at the entrance of the government office, hands folded, solemn-faced as he looked towards the direction of the imperial palace.

Three years ago.

Lv Dafang, who had served as Prefect for ten years, passed away due to illness.

Both Emperor Zhezong and the succeeding Emperor Huizong chose to leave the post of Prefect vacant without formally appointing a new Prefect.

Of course.

The 'formal appointment' here was actually just a "temporary duty," rather than the "knowledge" of other official positions.

Because the position of Prefect of Kaifeng was very special:

It was a training post specifically established for potential successors from the Imperial Family or the Prince.

In the history of Northern Song, only four people truly 'knew Kaifeng Prefecture':

Emperor Taizong Zhao Guangyi, Prince Qin Zhao Tingmei, Prince Xu Zhao Yuanxi, and Emperor Zhenzong Zhao Yuankan.

These individuals were all heirs to the throne, except Zhao Tingmei died under mysterious circumstances and Zhao Yuanxi died of illness during his tenure.

Therefore, for the officials, the position of Prefect was at most a "temporary duty."

Following Lv Dafang's death, the vacancy for Kaifeng Prefect lasted until March this year.

At that time, Xie Wenguang was transferred back from Daming Prefecture by the regency of Xiaozhao to temporarily take charge of Kaifeng Prefecture and preside over the investigation of Prince Shen's "forcible seizure of civilian women" case.

Xie Wenguang was born in 1021 AD, only a year younger than Old Su, truly a living fossil-like elder.

As a Yuanyou Faction member who had once been dismissed for questioning reforms and writing letters to Lv Gongzhu.

Xie Wenguang never imagined that he, an old man with little time left, would witness a political coup in his life and be used again by the new emperor.

"King Jian ah..."

In the darkness, looking at the rows of torches in front of him, Xie Wenguang couldn't help but let out a sigh.

Probably no one would have thought before this.

In just one year, Emperor Zhezong and Empress Dowager Xiang would pass away one after the other, and the situation in the capital would change drastically.

The newly enthroned Prince Duan barely warmed his seat before being pulled off the throne and replaced with a younger new emperor.

Prince Duan was known for his incompetence and frivolity, which was widely acknowledged.

Although King Jian was universally recognized to have better character than Zhao Ji, who can guarantee that once he ascends the throne, he will necessarily be a wise ruler?

We can only pray that this blood brother of Emperor Zhezong does not betray his identity and can lead this empire, beset by internal and external troubles, forward...

"Ming Mansion...Ming Mansion..."

Just as Xie Wenguang's thoughts were running wild, a soft call beside him suddenly pulled him back to reality.

Xie Wenguang turned his head and found the caller was one of his subordinates, an officer named Zhang Bangchang:

"Sub-ability, how is the gathering of the populace going?"

Zhang Bangchang, who had just achieved the status of Advanced Scholar last year, was only 20 years old this year, and should have been trying out for the position of Token and Treasure Minister.

However, due to Empress Dowager Xiang's premature illness and Xiaozhao's political coup, he was temporarily placed under Xie Wenguang's command.

Upon hearing his superior's inquiry, Zhang Bangchang quickly cupped his hands and replied:

"Response to Ming Mansion, all 639 alleys in the capital have been duly informed, and within half an hour, they will be led by the Alley Chief to await the royal decree outside the alleys."

Xie Wenguang nodded slightly, stroked his beard, and said:

"Sub-ability, thank you for your hard work."

"Loyalty to the emperor is no cause for undue hardship."

Zhang Bangchang cupped his hands again, and under the torchlight, glanced at Xie Wenguang, tentatively asking:

"Ming Mansion, with Prince Jian ascending to the throne, the nation has its master, will last year's Advanced Scholars also....."

Hearing this, Xie Wenguang was slightly startled, then understood what his deputy wanted to ask, saying:

"Sub-ability, rest assured, I estimate it will not be even a month before His Highness issues a decree, by then I....."

Before Xie Wenguang finished his words, a group of soldiers rushed over from afar, with solemn expressions.

Leading them was a tall military man, who upon reaching Xie Wenguang, clasped his fists and said:

"Subordinate Palace Guard Chief Wang Ke, pays respects to Prefect Xie."

"Palace Guard?"

Xie Wenguang was somewhat surprised at the visitor's background, but instinctively returned the salute, simultaneously asking:

"May I ask what important matter requires this prefect's cooperation with your midnight visit from the palace?"

Wang Ke took out a decree from his person and handed it to Xie Wenguang, saying:

"Prefect Xie, this is a handwritten decree from the palace. His Highness specifically instructed when sending this, Prefect Xie is aged, no need to kneel, just read."

Xie Wenguang hurriedly performed a salute towards the direction of the imperial palace, then took the decree and began to read.

Moments later.

Xie Wenguang looked up with a complex expression, looking at Zhang Bangchang beside him:

"Sub-ability, His Highness has issued a decree, appointing you as Xuanzhan Shepherd in the outskirts of the Imperial Manor, with an official rank of Junior Seventh Grade."

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