The Company

Chapter 27 The Tianyue Axe

AD 951, Kaifeng

Twelve-year-old Zhao Kuangyi wandered the streets of Bianjing. Though it was the Lunar New Year period, the usually bustling streets were sparsely populated due to political instability in the imperial court.

Zhao Kuangyi tightened his robe against the bitter winter wind, his cotton-padded garment proving inadequate against the cold. He watched enviously as a noble youth clad in fox fur rode past on a tall horse, shouting commands.

Though his father had moved from Luoyang to Bianjing and been promoted to Sacred Capital Commander, their family maintained strict discipline. Even when his elder brother left home two years earlier to seek his fortune, he hadn't been given sufficient travel funds. Having endured countless hardships and slept rough during his journey, his brother had returned home noticeably changed.

Despite the twelve-year age gap, Zhao Kuangyi never expected special treatment from his brother. He knew his brother was no ordinary man, though their father teased him about his blind admiration - a view the boy stubbornly maintained.

His brother had finally stopped wandering, and the general he served, Guo Wei, had recently been enthroned as emperor. As a subordinate who contributed to the ascension, his brother's future looked bright. Already promoted to Chief of the Eastern and Western Companies, he was soon to be assigned as a regional commander leading troops.

Though young, Zhao Kuangyi had been literate since childhood and understood the constant civil unrest. In just over a decade, they'd witnessed three dynasties and five emperors, with continuous warfare devastating the land. How wonderful it would be if someone could end this chaos and bring peace to the world.

Lost in thought, Zhao Kuangyi shivered when a cold wind struck him, remembering his purpose: buying a gift to celebrate his brother's promotion. But the antique shops he'd visited either had poor selections or shopkeepers ignored him due to his youth and shabby clothing. Undeterred, he continued searching until he found himself in an inconspicuous alley, spotting a small shop with a sign carved in ancient gilded seal script.

"Dumb Shop?" Zhao Kuangyi murmured, finding the name exceptionally elegant. Far more distinctive than the previous shops like Bogu Zhai or Baibao Fang, he entered with keen interest.

The interior surprised him - not for its splendor, but for being piled with boxes as if either not yet opened or about to close permanently.

Secretly pleased, Zhao Kuangyi thought he might find treasures if the shop was closing. Clearing his throat, he called out, "Boss? Are you still selling things here?"

An eleven- or twelve-year-old boy emerged from behind a large box, offering an apologetic smile. "The Boss isn't here today. I can't make decisions about selling things."Although Zhao Kuangyi was only twelve this year, his military family background and early martial arts training had given him a tall, slender build that made him appear more like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth. The boy before him, however, looked thin and small. Just from the sound of his voice, one could tell he lacked vitality, and coupled with his pale, dull complexion, it was easy to see he likely suffered from a congenital deficiency. The shop was warmed by a stove, cozy as spring, yet this boy wore a white fox fur robe, which made his face appear as pale as paper.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyi staring at him in a daze, the boy wasn’t annoyed but continued with a smile, "If only you’d come a few days earlier! I’ve been pestering the Boss to take me to see Mount Tai once, so we were planning to close the shop. Do you know Mount Tai? Oh, and I also want to see the ocean while we’re at it. The books say it’s where all rivers converge—how magnificent that must be!" The boy was clearly in high spirits, chattering away even with a stranger.

Zhao Kuangyi thought to himself that Bianjing was far from Mount Tai, and the sea was who knew how many miles beyond that. This boy probably didn’t have much time left in this world, which was why the Boss had agreed to his request. With this in mind, Zhao Kuangyi couldn’t help but feel a surge of sympathy and stayed in the shop to chat with the boy.

Delighted to have a companion of similar age—a rare occurrence—the boy eagerly led him to a pair of unpacked sourwood armchairs and deftly boiled water to brew a pot of fine green tea. He then produced some exquisite pastries from who knows where.

Having walked all morning in the bitter cold, Zhao Kuangyi felt the warm tea soothe his throat and warm him to the core, leaving him comfortably relaxed. After chatting casually for a while, he realized that despite his youth, the boy was deeply learned, effortlessly quoting classics, which secretly impressed him.

"By the way, what were you planning to buy?" The boy brushed crumbs from his hands and asked curiously. He had already taken a liking to this young customer. The Boss had said that selling antiques was about fate—so wanting to sell his antiques now shouldn’t be too presumptuous, right?

Without much thought, Zhao Kuangyi explained that he wanted to buy a gift for his elder brother to celebrate a promotion. Initially, he didn’t expect the boy to actually find something for him, but after a brief moment of contemplation, the boy jumped up from the chair and pulled out a heavy, long brocade box from a nearby crate.

"What’s this?" Zhao Kuangyi could tell just from the intricate gold and silver vine patterns on the brocade box that the container alone was exceedingly valuable. He nervously felt the money pouch in his pocket, worrying he might not even afford the box. Judging by the boy’s fox fur robe and the fine tea set, everything in this shop was undoubtedly precious. Zhao Kuangyi began to regret staying.

Without a word, the boy slowly opened the brocade box to reveal an exquisite jade axe inside. The axe, made of flawless white jade, was free of any extraneous patterns, appearing simple yet dignified. It exuded an aura of chilling authority and imposing grandeur. The axe wasn’t large, only about the length of a person’s forearm. With just one glance, Zhao Kuangyi found himself unable to look away, a strange, indescribable feeling stirring within him."The character for axe in Shuowen Jiezi is composed of 'father' above and 'axe' below." 'Father' refers to the head of a household, while 'axe' denotes a cutting tool or an instrument of punishment. Combined, they represent the authority wielded by the head of a family—the power to reward or punish." The young man's voice flowed steadily. "An elder brother is like a father, so gifting a jade axe to your brother is most fitting."

Zhao Kuangyi was also moved. Noticing that the jade axe did not resemble recent craftsmanship, he asked, "Does this jade axe have a story behind it?"

The young man smiled faintly. "This is a jade axe. Objects made of jade are not something an ordinary family could afford."

"You mean..." Zhao Kuangyi narrowed his eyes. "A jade axe should be a ceremonial object. Could it be a relic left by some emperor?" Though he spoke these words, inwardly he began to feel disdain. He had thought this young man was different, but it seemed he was no different from those shopkeepers who spun wild tales.

"Exactly. After the concept of the state emerged, the term 'ruler-father' came into being. The emperor is the father of all his subjects, so the instruments of punishment he uses to govern the country are called the 'royal axe.' And 'royal' is interchangeable with 'jade', so a jade axe symbolizes the authority of a nation." The young man grinned, his eyes curving like crescents. "According to Six Secret Teachings, King Wu of Zhou possessed a great axe with a blade eight inches wide, weighing eight jin, and a handle over five chi long, named the Heaven's Battle-Axe. In ancient times, battle-axes were not only weapons for warfare but also symbols of military and ruling power. This jade axe is the jade Heaven's Battle-Axe used by King Wu of Zhou to command the world."

Zhao Kuangyi remained expressionless, truly at a loss for words. If this young man was going to fabricate a story, couldn’t he at least make it believable? King Wu of Zhou? Who did he think he was?

As if oblivious to Zhao Kuangyi’s stiff expression, the young man continued cheerfully, "Let’s make a bet. If you can hold this jade axe, I’ll give it to you outright." He spoke with utmost generosity because he knew that only the true Son of Heaven could hold this jade axe. Anyone else would find their wrist growing inexplicably weak and sore within moments, no matter how strong they were. The young man had long been troubled by this and had brought it out today to test it again, while also amusing himself with his new friend.

Zhao Kuangyi was taken aback. The jade axe weighed only a few jin—was this bet meant to insult him? But he saw no harm in accepting. Without hesitation, he took the jade axe from the Brocade Box and held it in his hand, examining it.

After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Zhao Kuangyi placed the jade axe back into the Brocade Box and looked up at the young man in confusion.

The young man’s smile froze at the corners of his mouth. Though he seemed reluctant, he generously pushed the Brocade Box toward Zhao Kuangyi.

Zhao Kuangyi had not expected the young man to actually give him the jade axe without so much as a blink. He hadn’t intended to accept it, but upon reflection, he reasoned that the young man’s generosity and the bet were merely a formality—perhaps the jade axe wasn’t even worth much. Seeing the young man lost in thought as he sipped his tea, Zhao Kuangyi decided not to disturb him further. He took out all the silver from his purse and placed it on the tea table, then hugged the Brocade Box and left, satisfied. As he departed, he faintly heard the young man muttering something about the "true Son of Heaven," but he paid it no mind.The young man had no idea how long he had been drinking tea when he suddenly realized that the person had already taken the Tianyue Axe and left. At this moment, the Boss sitting across from him was thoughtfully gazing at the silver pouch on the table.

"Boss, um... I sold the Tianyue Axe today..." the young man stammered in explanation. Since the man had left silver behind, it should count as a sale... though admittedly, it was a complete bargain sale. "But didn't you say that whoever could lift the Tianyue Axe would be the Son of Heaven? Selling it cheap to the Son of Heaven shouldn't be a problem, right? Oh no—he mentioned it was a gift for his elder brother. It would be quite amusing if his brother couldn't lift the Tianyue Axe... haha..."

The Boss appeared to be just over twenty years old, exceptionally young, yet his face carried a profound calmness that seemed mismatched with his appearance. Dressed in an ancient black Hanfu, he looked as though he had stepped out of an old painting. After staring at the young man for a long while, he finally sighed and said, "Although the Son of Heaven can wield the Tianyue Axe, legend has it that after King Wu of Zhou forged this axe, he sealed it away. Do you know why?"

"Why?" The young man faintly sensed that he might have made a mistake, growing increasingly uneasy.

"Because this jade axe, representing power, possesses a magic that breeds suspicion. Few can resist its allure..." The Boss's voice faded softly, eventually dissipating into the ethereal tea fragrance lingering in the shop.

Zhao Kuangyi returned home and promptly gifted the jade axe. As expected, his elder brother was utterly delighted with it, unable to put it down from the moment he laid eyes on it. He immediately found a silk cord to wear it on his person.

Zhao Kuangyi was overjoyed that his elder brother liked the Tianyue Axe and even embellished the story of its origins. Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily, paying it no mind. He naturally didn't believe that his twelve-year-old brother could simply go out and buy him an axe supposedly forged by King Wu of Zhou—it was surely just the shopkeeper's exaggerated claims. Still, he felt pleased, as it was a sincere gesture from his younger brother.

As for the jade axe itself, it truly appealed to his taste. Moreover, the implications behind his younger brother's words about the axe lingered in his mind.

An axe, symbolizing authority?

Masking the sharp glint in his eyes, Zhao Kuangyin patted Zhao Kuangyi's head and asked a few questions about his recent studies before happily departing with his newly acquired Tianyue Axe.

Zhao Kuangyi breathed a sigh of relief. Although he knew the young man's story was somewhat absurd, he couldn't help but feel a lingering worry, fearing some unforeseen trouble. However, seeing his elder brother fondling the Tianyue Axe without setting it down for a long while, he concluded that the young man must have intended to gift him the axe all along, using a different pretext.

His elder brother remarked that the jade of the axe was smooth and lustrous, clearly not an ordinary item. After some thought, Zhao Kuangyi decided to ask his mother for an advance on his allowance the next day—the pocket money he had taken today was clearly insufficient to cover the value of the Tianyue Axe.

Casually putting away the Brocade Box still sitting on the table, Zhao Kuangyi caught a glimpse of the brocade cloth at the bottom curling up at one corner, with what seemed to be ink stains on the other side. He reached out, picked up the cloth, and shook it open. Staring at the characters revealed, he froze in astonishment."The Heaven-Piercing Axe, forged by Grand Tutor Jiang Ziya for King Wu of Zhou, is said to be wieldable only by those destined by heaven. King Wu once slew his closest friend in a fit of rage with this axe, later deeply regretting it. He declared that anyone holding this axe would be consumed by suspicion, bringing calamity upon those around them, and sealed it away in the twelfth year of his reign."

Zhao Kuangyi read the passage repeatedly, then chuckled dismissively. Having already concluded that the youth’s claims were fabricated, this silk cloth only reinforced his judgment.

Still, he couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship behind such an elaborate forgery—credit to the youth’s mysterious Boss. He resolved to visit the man tomorrow, making a mental note to ask his mother for extra silver.

Zhao Kuangyi’s plan seemed sound, but when he arrived at the narrow alley the next day, clutching the silk cloth and a heavy pouch of silver, the shop named "Dumb Shop" had vanished. The empty storefront retained only dust marks and imprints of wooden crates—nothing else remained.

How could so many crates be moved overnight?

Though puzzled, Zhao Kuangyi recalled the Boss intended to travel with the ailing youth. Tracking them would be futile. Dismissing further speculation, he tossed the silk cloth into a miscellaneous box in his study and forgot about it within days. He briefly considered testing whether others could lift his elder brother’s Heaven-Piercing Axe, but the weapon never left his brother’s side. Gradually, the idea faded.

Yet as time passed, this forgotten matter grew increasingly vivid in his memory.

His elder brother later served as deputy commander in Huazhou, distinguishing himself through battlefield valor. In subsequent letters, Zhao Kuangyin specifically mentioned how the Heaven-Piercing Axe—Zhao Kuangyi’s gift—had saved his life in a critical moment. Zhao Kuangyi dismissed the significance, musing that a sharper blade might have been more practical in combat.

When Emperor Guo Wei of the newly established Later Zhou dynasty, having no sons, adopted his nephew Chai Rong as heir apparent, the crown prince took note of Zhao Kuangyin’s military prowess. He transferred him to the capital and appointed him as Cavalry Commander of Kaifeng. From a regional deputy to a central court official—Zhao Kuangyi recognized his brother’s meteoric rise. That year, Zhao Kuangyin was merely twenty-seven.

Fifteen-year-old Zhao Kuangyi waited at the city gate, watching his brother return to the capital on a white steed. The aura of battle-hardened authority radiating from him felt both alien and intimidating.

"Second Brother, ever since you gifted me the Heaven-Piercing Axe, fortune has favored me relentlessly!" Dismounting, Zhao Kuangyin declared with triumphant energy. During his wanderings, he had once nearly starved to death on the streets. To achieve such high status within three years left him marveling at life’s unpredictability.

This was the second time Zhao Kuangyi heard his brother emphasize the axe’s role. Briefly startled, he responded with a genuine smile. People often seek symbolic anchors, he reasoned. Setting aside suspicion, he enviously stroked his brother’s white horse.

Noticing this, Zhao Kuangyin pondered briefly before proposing: "Second Brother, you’re no longer a child. I previously feared I couldn’t protect you on the battlefield. Now that I’m stationed in the capital, why not join me? Are you willing?"

Zhao Kuangyi nodded repeatedly, overwhelmed with delight.However, none of the Zhao brothers had anticipated that Zhao Kuangyin’s tenure as the commander of the Kaifeng Horse Direct Army would be short-lived. Emperor Guo Wei fell gravely ill by the end of that year. Though he managed to survive the New Year, his condition did not improve, and he passed away in the third year of his reign. His adopted son, Chai Rong, ascended the throne before his coffin.

Shortly thereafter, when the right army collapsed and several generals began to flee, his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin turned the tide at the critical moment of the Battle of Gaoping, reversing what seemed like an inevitable defeat.

Zhao Kuangyi felt both admiration and pride. On the blood-soaked battlefield, his elder brother stood like a towering mountain, exuding an aura of unwavering reliability—even more awe-inspiring than the emperor clad in yellow robes.

At that moment, Zhao Kuangyi was inexplicably reminded of the words inscribed on that piece of brocade:

"The Heavenly Battle-Axe, forged by Grand Tutor Jiang Ziya for King Wu of Zhou, can only be wielded by one destined by heaven."

In the year 960 AD, at Chenqiao Post Station.

Zhao Kuangyi rode through the heavy snowfall toward the station. Though not yet twenty, he had already followed his elder brother on the battlefield for three or four years. The trials of war had stripped away the youthful innocence from his brow, and brushes with death had taught him to remain calm under pressure, molding him into a composed and steady young man. Yet now, he felt a hint of nervousness, his hands trembling imperceptibly as they gripped the reins. Reining in his horse before a building with an overhanging eave roof, he dismounted swiftly, handed the reins to a subordinate, and took a deep breath of the frigid air before ascending the snow-covered steps.

It was a modest courtyard, where an ancient locust tree stood, its dark-brown branches drooping under a thick layer of snow, creating a stark contrast of black and white. Beneath the tree stood his elder brother, draped in a fox-fur cloak, his back turned as he gazed up at the sky, habitually caressing the Heavenly Battle-Axe that never left his side. Zhao Kuangyi intended to approach, but he noticed a layer of snow had settled on his brother’s cloak, suggesting he had been standing there for a long time. Indeed, the decision they faced was a difficult one, and it was only right for his elder brother to ponder it carefully. Lost in thought, Zhao Kuangyi remained where he was, staring at his brother’s silhouette, unable to snap out of his reverie.

In just a few years, his elder brother had risen to the position of Palace Front Commander, leading the imperial guard and standing second only to the emperor in power. Yet now, Chai Rong had succumbed to illness and passed away, leaving the throne to his seven-year-old son. In the chaotic era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, where weak rulers faced strong ministers, such situations invariably ended with the strong seizing power.

Zhao Kuangyi gazed with mixed emotions at the Heavenly Battle-Axe in his brother’s hand. Nine years ago, he would never have imagined that those seemingly playful words would one day come true. "The locust tree symbolizes gathering—gathering distant people here to discuss plans with them." A refined voice broke the silence, accompanied by the crunch of footsteps in the snow. Zhao Kuangyi turned to see Zhao Pu, his elder brother’s chief secretary. Though Zhao Pu was his brother’s most trusted advisor, he was not widely read, famously claiming that half of the Analects of Confucius was enough to govern the world. Zhao Kuangyi was surprised: given Zhao Pu’s limited learning, how could he quote Zheng Xuan’s commentary from the Rites of Zhou·Autumn Offices·Court Officers? It seemed this man was not as unflappable as he appeared."Standing beneath the tree, awaiting the arrival of those with whom to discuss matters—this setting is indeed fitting." Zhao Kuangyin hung the Celestial Battle-Axe back at his waist, glanced back at his civil and military right-hand men, and asked with a smile, "Is everything prepared?" Zhao Kuangyi and Zhao Pu responded in unison, their youthful faces unable to conceal their intense excitement. After all, if this endeavor succeeded, their lives would be utterly transformed. Of course, if it failed, they would face eternal ruin. Yet Zhao Kuangyin harbored none of their anxious hesitation. With a faint smile, he remarked, "I recall when Emperor Shizong was on his northern campaign, he once obtained a wooden plaque inscribed with 'The Palace Commander shall become Son of Heaven.' It seems this is heaven's will."

Zhao Pu tactfully chimed in with a few words, but Zhao Kuangyi secretly sneered in his heart. The Shizong his elder brother mentioned was none other than the recently deceased Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou, Chai Rong. The former Palace Commandant back then was Zhang Yongde, who had always been at odds with his elder brother. They had merely employed a small scheme, fabricating an unfounded wooden placard, which led to Zhang Yongde falling under Shizong's suspicion and being dismissed from his post. This allowed Zhao Kuangyin to take over the position. But now it seemed that the stratagem they had devised back then was indeed quite prescient.

Zhao Kuangyi discerned Zhao Kuangyin's intentions, realizing that he wanted to use this scheme again to comply with the will of heaven. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "On the day the army marches out, the Commandant shall become Son of Heaven. I will arrange for people to spread this in the military camps." Although Zhao Pu was resourceful and shrewd, he still did not understand his elder brother deeply enough. His elder brother cared immensely about his reputation and would never actively seize the throne; there had to be an appropriate opportunity. Zhao Kuangyi quickly positioned this matter accordingly.

Zhao Kuangyin stroked the Tianyue Axe at his waist and nodded with satisfaction at his younger brother. Zhao Kuangyi was no longer called Zhao Kuangyi; his elder brother had successfully been robed in yellow and ascended the throne during the Chenqiao Mutiny several months earlier. To avoid taboo, he had changed his name to Zhao Guangyi, and their younger brother Zhao Kuangmei had changed his name to Zhao Guangmei. However, their younger brother was only twelve this year and of no use yet, so he remained in Kaifeng. Zhao Guangyi still followed Zhao Kuangyin on southern campaigns and northern expeditions.

Due to the hasty accession, the imperial robes symbolizing the emperor's dignity had not yet been made. Although his elder brother wore the same general's armor as before, the aura about him compelled others to bow in respect.

Zhao Guangyi felt that his elder brother had changed, which was normal. As a person's status changed, so naturally did their temperament. And it wasn't just his elder brother who had changed; Zhao Guangyi also controlled his attitude in front of Zhao Kuangyin. Though they were still brothers, they were now also ruler and subject. Yet occasionally, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but reminisce about the past—times when he could laugh and joke uninhibitedly with his elder brother.

"Second Brother, what are you thinking about?" After concluding matters of state, Zhao Kuangyin dismissed the attendants and noticed his younger brother lost in thought. He couldn't resist reaching out with the Tianyue Axe in his hand to tap him on the shoulder.

"Nothing, I just didn't sleep well last night," Zhao Guangyi replied, both amused and exasperated. He knew his elder brother was very fond of this Tianyue Axe, but that didn't mean others shared the sentiment. He had heard that a few days earlier, his elder brother had flown into a rage over some matter and impulsively swung the axe, knocking out the front teeth of the offending official. Now, when ministers presented memorials, they all maintained a safe distance, fearing unforeseen calamity.

Noticing his younger brother's gaze fixed on the Tianyue Axe in his hand, Zhao Kuangyin asked as if casually, "Second Brother, I've never asked you before—where did you buy this jade axe?"

Zhao Guangyi was taken aback. It had been nine years since then; why was his elder brother suddenly bringing this up? Zhao Kuangyin cleared his throat lightly and said, "If you don't remember, it's fine. I was just asking casually."

"No, I do remember which shop it was from," Zhao Guangyi shook his head. "The name of the shop was quite distinctive, so I've never forgotten it."

"Oh? Do tell," Zhao Kuangyin's curiosity was piqued."That shop is called Dumb Shop, meaning antiques are silent and cannot speak." Zhao Guangyi said while carefully observing his elder brother's expression.

Zhao Kuangyin silently repeated the name Dumb Shop a few times, then nodded in admiration: "The boss must be an elegant scholar. When we have time, second brother, you must accompany me to visit."

Zhao Guangyi was startled. His elder brother was now the ruler of a nation after all, yet he would use the word "visit"? But he had no time to ponder this and quickly replied: "Your Majesty, that shop moved away the very next day. I never met the shop's boss either. I only acquired this jade axe because the shop was in a hurry to relocate - I bought it cheaply from one of the shop assistants." He didn't bother explaining the bet he made with that young man back then, instinctively feeling this matter shouldn't be disclosed to his elder brother. He couldn't even mention the brocade cloth inside the Brocade Box.

Zhao Kuangyin sighed with regret, but then reconsidered: if the shop hadn't been in such a hurry to move, how could his second brother have acquired such a fine item with the little money he carried back then? Thinking this, Zhao Kuangyin became more accepting. Stroking the Tian Yue Axe in his hand, he suddenly asked: "Second brother, what do you think we should do about the Ten Sworn Brothers of the Righteous Society?"

Zhao Guangyi's expression turned serious. The Ten Sworn Brothers of the Righteous Society was an organization his elder brother had established within the Palace Command system, modeled after Later Zhou's Emperor Taizu Guo Wei's practice of forming military associations. Its purpose was naturally to win over and befriend high-ranking military officers, developing his own influence. These Ten Sworn Brothers had played a crucial role in the recent events of the imperial yellow robe being placed on someone, chanting the slogan "The Palace Commander shall become Son of Heaven" while supporting Zhao Kuangyin's ascension as Emperor of the Great Song.

Now these very people had become Zhao Kuangyin's concern - today they could support others, or even themselves. Even if they didn't have such thoughts, their subordinates eventually would. Zhao Guangyi carefully worded his response: "Your Majesty, you've just ascended the throne. If you were to put away the good bow and cook the hunting dog now, it would chill everyone's hearts." Zhao Guangyi naturally felt this matter shouldn't be handled so soon. His elder brother had only been emperor for a few months, his foundation still unstable. If he moved against these trusted followers, what would others think? Even Liu Bang didn't massacre his meritorious officials until several years after his enthronement.

Zhao Kuangyin knew Zhao Guangyi was right, but if he allowed those men to develop their own power, it would be difficult to deal with them later. Zhao Kuangyin himself had risen through military ranks in just two or three years. With ongoing military campaigns everywhere, officers could easily distinguish themselves in battle. Not hearing the answer he wanted, Zhao Kuangyin's expression darkened slightly before he finally nodded: "How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed? We'll discuss this matter later. However, second brother, I cannot entrust the position of Palace Commander to anyone else - you shall take it."

Though this was expected, Zhao Guangyi's heart still raced violently. For some reason, he suddenly recalled the prophecy on that wooden plaque - "The Palace Commander shall become Son of Heaven" - making his eyelids twitch nervously. To conceal his reaction, he quickly lowered his head, rose from his seat, and knelt to express gratitude.

Rising at the command to stand, he saw Zhao Kuangyin's face dark as water while toying with the Tian Yue Axe, clearly still wary of the Ten Sworn Brothers of the Righteous Society.Zhao Guangyi silently withdrew and returned to his study. After searching through the night, he finally found the tattered brocade cloth in an inconspicuous storage box. The writing on it remained strikingly vivid.

"The Tianyue Axe, forged by Grand Tutor Jiang Ziya for King Wu of Zhou. It is said that only one destined by heaven can wield it. King Wu, driven by this axe, slew his closest friend in a fit of rage and later deeply regretted it. He declared that whoever wields this axe would be consumed by suspicion, bringing calamity upon those around them. In the twelfth year of King Wu's reign, it was sealed away."

Consumed by suspicion? Zhao Guangyi wondered if he was overthinking things. Wasn't the Tianyue Axe merely a fabrication? Why then... He clenched the brocade cloth in his hand, his mind in turmoil.

Year 973, Chuigong Hall

"Bang!" Zhao Kuangyin slammed the memorial onto the imperial desk. A blue-glazed bowl with stamped patterns was swept to the ground, shattering with a crisp sound. The soup inside splattered everywhere, leaving speckled stains on Zhao Kuangyin's red and gold dragon-patterned gauze robe.

Yet no attendant dared to clean up the mess. At this moment, Zhao Guangyi was the only one in the Chuigong Hall. He kept his eyes downcast, maintaining a composed demeanor. The memorial his elder brother had read was submitted by him, so he knew exactly why the emperor was enraged.

In truth, it wasn't anything major—just a series of incidents: Lei Youlin, son of the Shangzhou official Lei Dexiang, accused Hu Zan and Li Kedu of the Secretariat of taking bribes; Liu Wei, the registrar of Shangcai County, was found to have forged his credentials to obtain an official position, among other matters. Individually, these issues were too trivial to reach the emperor. But when pieced together, they pointed unmistakably to one man behind it all: Zhao Pu, the chancellor.

Without Zhao Pu's protection, no one would have dared to deceive the emperor or abuse their power for personal gain.

Zhao Guangyi lowered his head, watching the trembling fragments of the bowl on the floor. He silently reflected that his elder brother had once trusted Zhao Pu, even treating him like family, often visiting his home and addressing Zhao Pu's wife as "sister-in-law." But as time passed, people change.

When his elder brother first ascended the throne a year ago, it was Zhao Pu who advised him to "relinquish military power over a cup of wine," peacefully and successfully resolving the issue of warlord dominance and reclaiming control of the army. His elder brother appointed Zhao Pu as chancellor, but not with absolute authority. Zhao Kuangyin established the Bureau of Military Affairs to oversee military matters and the Three Departments to manage finances, reducing the chancellor's once comprehensive powers to routine administrative duties. He also appointed vice commissioners for these roles to check and balance each other, restricting the chancellor's authority to the bare minimum. This clearly demonstrated the depth of his suspicion toward Zhao Pu.

Yet even such precautions failed to put his mind at ease.

The fragments on the floor finally stopped trembling. Zhao Guangyi bent down, picked up the pieces, and slowly began cleaning up. This was not a task for someone of his status, but he feared that if he did nothing, he would have to say something. Rather than risk saying the wrong thing, he preferred to keep himself occupied.His elder brother sometimes appeared magnanimous, Zhao Guangyi thought. The young son of Later Zhou's Emperor Shizong, Chai Rong, had not been executed but was instead enfeoffed as the Prince of Zheng. One must know that even meritorious ministers were only posthumously granted princely titles. His elder brother had declared that the Great Song would have no living princes of different surnames henceforth, yet the first exception was that young man surnamed Chai. It must be because the boy posed no threat whatsoever? The surrendered Later Shu ruler Meng Chang was also granted an official position and lived out his natural life before being posthumously enfeoffed as a prince. As for that Li Yu from the south, when summoned to Bianjing Kaifeng days earlier, he had feigned illness and refused to come. Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit—likely troops would soon be dispatched to conquer Southern Tang. Sooner or later, he too would become "Later Ruler Li" and come to Kaifeng as an idle guest.

In other words, his elder brother was quite tolerant toward those who posed no threat. But how did he treat those who were threatening...?

How could one allow others to snore beside one's bed?... The Ten Sworn Brothers, Zhao Pu... Who would be next?

Zhao Guangyi's hand trembled, a sharp shard of porcelain slicing his index finger, blood immediately welling up. He clenched his finger, suppressing the turmoil in his heart.

He seemed to have gotten too close to his elder brother—close enough to arouse his suspicion. Though he believed in their fraternal bond, when he looked up and saw his elder brother caressing the Tianyue Axe in his hand, an icy chill pierced his heart. The brocade cloth in his embrace had never left his person since he rediscovered it. The writing on it was memorized backward and forward, etched deeply in his mind.

The one who wields this axe will grow deeply suspicious, bringing calamity upon those around him...

"By imperial decree, order the Censorate to investigate. If the allegations prove true, deal with it severely," Zhao Kuangyin's icy voice slowly came through. "Additionally, Vice Councilors Xue Juzheng and Lü Yuqing are promoted to participate in military and state affairs alongside the Chancellor."

Zhao Guangyi bowed to receive the decree, his wounded finger stinging against the cold floor tiles.

He knew this was his elder brother publicly expressing distrust in Zhao Pu. Zhao Pu's tenure as Chancellor would last at most another month or two.

Calamity upon those around him... Now one of his right-hand men was gone. What about him then...?

AD 976

The candlelight flickered, incense smoke curled, and Zhao Guangyi poured his elder brother another cup of his favorite Puzhong wine. This wine originated from Puzhou liquor, renowned throughout the Northern Zhou dynasty and remaining popular through the Sui and Tang periods. Whenever Zhao Kuangyin drank, he would only drink this.

Seeing Zhao Kuangyin raise the cup and drain it in one go, Zhao Guangyi couldn't help but worry and advise, "Your Majesty, you are still ill. Drinking will harm your health."

Zhao Kuangyin waved a hand dismissively, "It's nothing, just a minor chill. It's rare to steal a few days of leisure during illness and have you over for a drink. Don't spoil the mood."

Zhao Guangyi smiled. His elder brother was diligent in governance and cared for the people. Since Zhao Pu left office three years ago, all court affairs, big and small, had been handled by Zhao Kuangyin himself. One could imagine how exhausting it must be. Seeing his complexion was good, Zhao Guangyi didn't press further and reached to refill his cup.

This time, Zhao Kuangyin wasn't in a hurry to drink. It was already late at night, and the two brothers sat cross-legged at opposite ends of the low table. Such intimate time alone between them was a rare scene in recent years. Inhaling the rich aroma of the wine, Zhao Kuangyin smiled faintly and said, "It has been many years since we two brothers have been this close."Zhao Guangyi noticed his elder brother hadn't used the imperial "We" and spoke more intimately, so he let down his long-held guard. With a carefree laugh, he raised his cup and said, "Indeed, tonight we drink until we drop."

It had been years since anyone dared banter so freely before him. Zhao Kuangyin was thoroughly delighted. They clinked cups repeatedly, drinking with great gusto. Both brothers were fierce generals forged in battle, not easily drunk, but since becoming emperor, Zhao Kuangyin rarely drank with such abandon. After three rounds, he began showing signs of intoxication.

"Thinking back to my friendship with Emperor Shizong... Now I'm properly caring for his son, which means I haven't betrayed his recognition of my talents..." As the wine warmed him, Zhao Kuangyin started rambling nostalgically. Zhao Guangyi kept refilling his cup, unconcerned by these remarks. His brother spared Chai Rong's son not out of genuine kindness but to cultivate a reputation and win hearts. Controlling a mere seven-year-old was simple enough—had the child been an adult back then, his bones would have long since rotted.

"All my brothers from the Loyalty Society—I've made them military governors, given them wealth and honor. Let them accumulate riches and enjoy themselves, ensuring their descendants want for nothing. Isn't this why one becomes an official? Just one cup of wine! A single cup resolved my greatest concern." Zhao Kuangyin spoke with particular pride about his "cup of wine" maneuver to strip generals of their military power.

Zhao Guangyi smiled while continuing to pour. Those officers had outwardly expressed tearful gratitude, but whether they were truly satisfied remained unknown.

These were heroes who had fought their way through countless battles among thousands. After being relieved of command with a drink, they could only retire to farmland. What valiant man wouldn't prefer settling scores on the battlefield? Even dying wrapped in horsehide would be better than becoming idle wealthy gentlemen. Now literary officials led campaigns—while this prevented military dominance, these scholars only knew empty theories, utterly incapable of actual warfare.

"Ah, Zhao Pu, Zhao Pu... I treated him as my right hand, consulting him on matters great and small. How did he repay me? When officials sought audience, he made them submit written pledges not to criticize state affairs before permitting entry. He even placed a large earthen jar in his office—any memorials he disapproved of were burned without ever reaching me. Had you not personally delivered Lei Youlin's memorial that year, I might still be kept in the dark!" Zhao Kuangyin's anger rose as he spoke, drinking as freely as if it were water.

Zhao Guangyi maintained his smiling composure while pouring. He understood his brother simply needed someone to confide in tonight—his role was to listen, not agree. Too many words invite trouble, a principle he'd cultivated over years. Besides, regarding Zhao Pu's case, strictly speaking, the blame wasn't his alone. During the Kaibao era, the King of Wuyue had sent Zhao Pu ten bottles of melon-seed gold to curry favor—bribery plain and simple. When his brother unexpectedly witnessed this, Zhao Pu panicked, but the emperor merely joked lightly and advised him to accept the tainted gifts.If not for his elder brother's deliberate indulgence, how could Zhao Pu have amassed such overwhelming power at court? His elder brother truly employed clever tactics—harboring suspicions about Zhao Pu yet unwilling to tarnish his own reputation for magnanimity—so he maneuvered to let Zhao Pu ruin his own standing. When matters became intolerable and Zhao Pu provoked the collective wrath of all officials, only then was he dismissed from his post.

Indeed, the strategies of an emperor are as unfathomable as the heavens.

Zhao Guangyi knew that after Zhao Pu's fall from grace, he had become the most conspicuous figure at court. Yet, over the years, he had tread carefully and excelled at deciphering Zhao Kuangyin's imperial intentions, thus avoiding major trouble so far. By now, Zhao Kuangyin was heavily intoxicated, reaching for the Celestial Axe he always carried at his waist and placing it on the table. Leaning in with a conspiratorial smile, he whispered, "Guangyi, I shall share a secret with you—about this jade axe."

Zhao Guangyi's heart sank like a stone, the piece of brocade cloth hidden in his bosom suddenly feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds, pressing down on his chest.

It was already midnight, the hall dimly lit. Zhao Kuangyin failed to notice his younger brother's stiff expression and continued mysteriously, "This jade axe—only I can hold it. Anyone else would find their wrist growing weak, unable to endure even a moment."

hao Guangyi held his breath, suddenly recalling years ago when that youth opened the Brocade Box, his face clearly bearing a mischievous expression. So, it was true—this Celestial Axe truly could not be wielded by just anyone. Only one destined by heaven could hold it...

"I suspected this axe was peculiar from the start," Zhao Kuangyin mused, no fool himself. "Upon reflection, perhaps only the Son of Heaven can lift this jade axe symbolizing imperial authority." Those blessed with great fortune often believe in so-called divine mandate. He took a sip of wine and suddenly sighed. "Aside from Dexiu who died young, I tested Dezhao, Delin, and Defang on various occasions—none of them could lift this Celestial Axe. Alas, could it be that my crown prince has yet to be born?"

Zhao Guangyi was stunned. Dezhao, Delin, and Defang were naturally his elder brother's three sons. No wonder his brother had never named an heir all these years—this was the reason. His gaze involuntarily fell upon the Celestial Axe beside him. He could never forget how easily he had lifted this very axe years ago, just like his elder brother.

Noticing his fixed stare, Zhao Kuangyin mistook it for disbelief and chuckled, "Guangyi, if you doubt me, try lifting it yourself?" With that, he picked up the Celestial Axe and offered it handle-first.

To Zhao Kuangyin, this was merely an offhand remark, but to Zhao Guangyi, it struck like a thunderbolt.

Lift the Celestial Axe? Was this a test? When he had purchased this axe years ago, he must have handled it—had his brother held a grudge all this time, orchestrating this trap today?

Chai Rong, the Ten Brothers of the Righteous Society, Zhao Pu... and now, finally, his turn?

Staring at the luminous jade axe gleaming in Zhu's light, Zhao Guangyi's heart raced wildly. As Zhao Kuangyin urged him on, he reached for the axe with trembling hands and a terrified heart.

He knew the solution was simple: the moment he took the axe, he need only feign wrist weakness to dispel his brother's suspicions.But just as the cold jade axe fell into his palm, for some reason his mind went completely blank, and he didn't even notice when his elder brother's hand withdrew.

When he regained his senses, he looked up in horror, meeting his elder brother's complicated expression.

It's over. Given his elder brother's temperament, he definitely wouldn't survive the night.

Zhao Guangyi, driven by some unknown impulse, instinctively raised the Tian Yue Axe in his hand and struck the person opposite him.

The candle shadows flickered violently across the screen, followed by the sound of a heavy object falling. After a splash of glaring blood stained the screen, there was only deathly silence.

Year 2012 AD

"So it was Zhao Kuangyi himself who was controlled by suspicion, not Zhao Kuangyin?" The doctor sighed deeply after hearing the story of the Tian Yue Axe.

His body was occupied by Fusu, so he remained in a soul state. The Boss had found him a paulownia wood puppet. Paulownia is the lightest wood, and legend says phoenixes perch on paulownia trees, making it the most spiritual wood. This paulownia puppet was exquisitely crafted with movable joints and a hollow body embedded with the Aquamarine jade pendant. It was said this could nurture his soul. The palm-sized puppet was conveniently carried in the Boss's pocket.

"Correct. Zhao Kuangyin actually left a Golden Coffer Alliance, and the testament inside designated Zhao Kuangyi as his successor." The Boss stood in a wilderness forest, holding a Brocade Box adorned with gold-inlaid vine patterns. Inside lay the Heaven Axe that had caused the fraternal conflict.

"Ah? So the Golden Coffer Alliance wasn't fabricated by Zhao Kuangyi?" The Doctor possessed some historical knowledge, though limited to what he'd learned from textbooks.

"Consumed by suspicion, Zhao Kuangyi killed his elder brother amid candle shadows and axe sounds. Fearing instability, he later killed his own brother Zhao Kuangmei. Zhao Defang also died shortly under mysterious circumstances. While Li Yu lived peacefully under Zhao Kuangyin's reign, he was forced to commit suicide after Zhao Kuangyi ascended the throne. This truly demonstrates how suspicion can bring disaster to those around..." The Boss narrated calmly, for these were events from a millennium ago. The Heaven Axe had once left his Dumb Shop, but he deliberately retrieved it, sealing it away for a thousand years.

"Is this Heaven Axe one of the Twelve Bronze Men's imperial artifacts for suppressing malign energy? But why come here? There's no stone tablet here." The Doctor didn't know their current location. He'd been confined to the Boss's pocket until fifteen minutes ago when placed on the Boss's shoulder, finally able to see his surroundings.

"Suppressing malign energy requires proper sequence. Breaking the Cosmos formation must be gradual—only one artifact can be buried per month. The first month is called Zhengyang, and the axe symbolizes state power. Burying it at this Formation Eye should suppress its malign energy." The Boss explained steadily. Breaking formations is easy; establishing them is difficult. Qin Shi Huang had spent years erecting seven stone tablets, so he felt no urgency. He doubted Fusu could quickly establish such a magnificent Cosmos formation.

The Doctor watched as the Boss effortlessly created a dark abyss at his feet. The Boss dropped the Brocade Box into the seemingly bottomless hole, but no sound echoed back even after a long while.

The Boss relaxed visibly, waving his hand to restore the ground to normal.

The Doctor remained silent, instinctively knowing he wouldn't understand what had transpired even if he asked. Yet the Boss's relieved expression confirmed the Heaven Axe had served its purpose. Attempting to move the puppet's arm, he could barely lift its wrist. Trapped in this immobile puppet, he felt thoroughly frustrated.

Sensing the Doctor's restlessness, the Boss adjusted the paulownia puppet's position, settling it more securely on his shoulder.The Heaven-Axe that stirred fraternal strife... Amidst the scattering snowflakes, the Boss smiled faintly.

What a pity that Fusu and Huhai, those two brothers, never had the chance to lift this Heaven-Axe before it was buried underground...

(End of Chapter)