Upon seeing this result, Zhao Douan first found it absurd, yet upon careful reflection, he realized this might be the truth.
Because he clearly remembered, long ago, Zhenbao mentioned Zhao Shixiong to him.
He said the late Emperor was muddle-headed in his later years, leaving many hidden troubles, including the employment of trusted eunuchs, and also the lack of restraint on the Southwest Border Army, which led to Zhao Shixiong nurturing his power and breaking away from the court's checks and balances.
But conversely, what if the truth wasn't the late Emperor's muddle-headedness, but rather he trusted Zhao Shixiong enough to delegate power to him, allowing his growth?
Everything would make sense then…
When you further consider, Zhao Shixiong had only one daughter and was unlikely to bear more children.
The Old Emperor's trust also had a theoretical basis.
