A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 249 Cao Liyong Makes a Big Appearance

Song Xuan and Cao Li exchanged a few compliments.

They don't care what other people think at all.

In the end, both the host and guests had a good time.

However, Cheng Kan was still amazed by Song Xuan's archery skills.

He's grown up like this.

He had never seen such astonishing archery skills before.

shoot with great precision?

Cheng Kan always thought this was an exaggerated legend.

Very few people in the world can do that.

Even if the Liao general was killed with a ballista on the eve of the Treaty of Chanyuan, it was still a fluke.

It wouldn't be so surprising if Song Xuan had shot the coin from thirty paces away on his own.

Skilled archers all enjoy playing this game.

But just now, Song Twelve shot three copper coins, and he even hit the bullseye from a hundred paces away. I saw it with my own eyes.

This combination was unacceptable to Cheng Kan.

Even a single piece of it would be quite a topic of conversation at a banquet.

As a result, Song Xuan and Song Xuan combined, is he still a normal person?
Just now, Li Zhaoshu told him that Song Twelve was clearly known to the world for his poetry and prose, so how could he also have such archery skills? This was the first time he had ever seen it.

"Chen Yaozi was a crack shot, but he only managed to hit the target with a single copper coin. Today, Twelfth Brother hit three copper coins in one go. It really opened my eyes."

Li Zhaoshu and Chen Yaozi both worked in Kaifeng Prefecture.

Chen Yaozi was the Assistant Prefect of Kaifeng.

There are rumors circulating in the court that his second brother, Chen Yaozuo, will be transferred back to replace him, and Chen Yaozi will continue to rise in rank to become a Hanlin Academician.

Li Zhaoshu's words drew everyone's attention.

Chen Yaozi, nicknamed "Little Youji," is now the Prefect of Kaifeng.

After all, the position of prefectural governor was held by the crown princes of the Song Dynasty.

Chen Yaozi was a civil official who assisted the prefect, but prefects usually didn't handle affairs. Only Zhao Kuangyi had actually done any work in this position.

"Hahaha."

Cao Liyong just laughed.

Today, Song Xuan really made him lose face in front of his wife and relatives.

If he becomes the top scorer in the high school entrance examination this year, or even achieves the triple crown, then he will be able to achieve the top score in all three categories.

Cao Li felt excited just thinking about it.

My Cao family has a worthy successor!

Cao Liyong was well aware of Chen Yaozi's strength.

That's a once-in-a-century event.

It's a pity he's old.

If she were twenty years younger, she might be able to compete with her son-in-law, Song Twelve, and determine who was better.

Furthermore, because of his mother's advice, after smashing the goldfish, Chen Yaozi was told not to always take pleasure in archery, but not to forget his father's teachings, to serve the country with loyalty and filial piety, and not to play such "minor tricks".

Chen Yaozi heeded his mother's advice and worked diligently; otherwise, he would not have been able to rise to the position of Prefect of Kaifeng.

Cao Liyong had heard Chen Yaozuo mention his affair with the oil seller at a banquet.

He only picked up his bow and arrow again long after his mother had passed away.

The perfect accuracy has degenerated into a mere 80 or 90 out of 10.

That's it.

It's something that the vast majority of people in the world cannot do.

The old oil seller's skill was nothing more than practice, which deeply impressed Chen Yaozi.

Because of his mother's teachings and his busy schedule with government affairs, he had become quite rusty with the bow and arrow in his hands.

"Twelfth Brother, you must keep your touch."

Cao Liyong thought of Chen Yaozi's matter: "If you don't practice for a long time, your archery skills will deteriorate."

"I see."

Song Xuan would also practice archery from time to time to relax.

After all, there's nothing else to do for leisure and entertainment.

Cao Qingyao and her siblings were astonished to find that the Song Twelve before them was indeed the legendary Song Twelve.

Especially Song Twelve, who stood beside them, demonstrated remarkable abilities.

It's much stronger than the rumors suggested.

His exceptional marksmanship was completely kept in the dark.

How many people in the world know that Song Twelve, who was once a master of poetry, was also an expert archer?
Madam Cao's eyes and brows were full of smiles.

She knew, of course, that Song Twelve was famous, and was even more delighted that her husband had kept it hidden for so long.

This is quite a surprise!
If Song Twelve were to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi, then Qingyao would become his legal wife.

Why bother becoming Cheng Kan's second wife?
In particular, the marriage between the Cao family and a newly promoted scholar was unprecedented in the military circles.

Going back one generation, Cao Yongli's father was also a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

It was only after Cao Yong was transferred to a military post that he was able to obtain a military position through hereditary privilege, giving him the opportunity to work on the front lines at Chanyuan and thus stepping into the tide of history.

Cao Qingyao looked at Song Xuan, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.

She never imagined that the impossible would become possible.

Cao Qingyao was even somewhat annoyed.

How did my body end up looking like this?

If Song Shier doesn't like her, she won't have a good life after marrying him.

From the initial deliberate harassment to her current dissatisfaction with her body, Cao Qingyao has not realized that her mindset has changed.

This is mainly because, within the city of Tokyo, the Cao family seems to have everything they need.

However, in terms of social status, due to the policies of successive emperors of the Song Dynasty, they were always inferior to those scholars.

This applies not only to the Cao family, but also to the long-established Cao family!

"We're all having lunch here today because we're happy."

Cao Liyong began by saying:

"I've already ordered food at Sun Yang Zhengdian, and it will be delivered soon."

Li Zhaoshu was very sensible.

There was no mention of proposing marriage to Cheng Kan.

Cheng Kan, on the one hand, did not want to steal someone else's thunder, and on the other hand, felt he had little chance.

Most importantly, he didn't like tall, busty women like Cao Qingyao.

Let's just let this matter drop.

Being able to get to know a younger generation like Song Xuan made Cheng Kan feel that the trip was worthwhile!
Cao Liyong was extremely pleased. He had been patient in the court for a long time, always playing the role of a "nice guy," but in reality, he was very frustrated.

Now that Song Xuan has finally come to Tokyo to take the exam, I must find an opportunity to get him a job in Kaifeng Prefecture.

This will also help the couple cultivate their relationship in the future.

It can also help me come up with ideas and save face.

At his age, he doesn't need to work himself to the bone for the sake of saving face, but he still needs to enjoy the emotional value that face brings.

At the dinner table, the seven Cao brothers would start talking about how their brother-in-law was always referred to as "brother-in-law" or "sister-in-law."

Song Xuan accepted all comers and tried his best to identify the seven brothers.

According to the Song Dynasty's usual practice of guarding against people, as long as Cao Yongli remained the Privy Councilor, these youngsters would not be sent out to lead troops for training; they would simply stay in the palace and stand guard for the emperor.

Song Xuan had to admit that when there were more people, there was more talking.

In particular, he felt that Cao Yongli's sons were all a bit gossipy, wondering if it was because they were stuck in the palace while on duty.
Cao Yuan said with obvious pride at the dinner table:

"Just now, when I stopped Twelfth Brother at the door, he boasted that he was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the fifth year of the Tiansheng era. I thought to myself, where did Father find such an arrogant country bumpkin?"

"Looking back now, I really think Twelfth Brother was too modest!"

"Hahaha."

The group burst into laughter again.

Cao Yuan raised his wine cup and punished himself with a cup, realizing that he had been too arrogant and had almost ruined his younger sister's wonderful marriage.

The Cao family wasn't so formal; the whole family ate at the same table without separating.

Everyone was very happy after the banquet.

Cao Yongli didn't let everyone drink too much, as Li Zhaoshu and the other two had to go to work in the afternoon.

Especially since Cheng Kan had just returned and was appointed as an imperial censor.

His duties included investigating and reorganizing officials, receiving imperial edicts, overseeing the investigation and impeachment of officials in the government offices, and handling miscellaneous matters (other matters within the Censorate), with the latter being the busiest.

You also need to set a good example, otherwise others won't be convinced.

As for the children, Cao used them to drive them away. He took Song Xuan to the study and, just in case, had someone brew a pot of tea.

Li Zhaoshu and Cheng Kan walked out of the gate of the Cao residence.

After walking for a while, Li Zhaoshu finally spoke:
"Cao Shizhong is keeping his mouth shut tighter and tighter. I know absolutely nothing about this matter. I was even thinking of bringing you two together."

"Actually, this is quite good, but I don't understand it."

Cheng Kan asked, full of doubt:

“I am not suitable to marry the daughter of the Cao family, but I can’t understand why Song Twelve agreed to this marriage because he owed Cao Shizhong a life in the Dou Chou case and had no other choice?”

Li Zhaoshu didn't understand either!
How could the two of them possibly be involved together?

“I remember now, Cao Shizhong’s father-in-law was also a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).”

Cao Liyong had a son late in life.

His father and Li Shiheng, a notorious corrupt official of the Song Dynasty, were both Jinshi graduates in the same year.

Before they both passed the imperial examinations, they agreed to become in-laws through their children's marriage.

Li Shiheng was exceptionally intelligent and managed finances for over twenty years during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong.

Because he was so good at managing money, he never missed a penny of the money that was due to be handed over to the imperial court.

As for the remaining interest and profits, they all went back to their own families.

In short, neither the emperor nor he lost money.

It's nothing more than using the court's money to make money. Li Shiheng is using the court's money to make money for himself, which is essentially a risk-free business.

However, Emperor Zhenzong trusted him greatly, and when Emperor Renzong ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

It wasn't until Cao Liyong fell from power and was implicated that the court transferred Li Shiheng to Xijing. The large house he built in Luoyang was like a restoration of the Tang Dynasty palace.

In short, they have plenty of money!
Even if they have the ability, they still leave behind a reputation for being extremely corrupt.

"But that was decided before Cao Shizhong's father was transferred to a military post."

Cheng Kan wondered if Song Xuan had been deceived by Cao Shizhong.
Even though Song Xuan had defeated him cleanly and decisively in the test just now, Cheng Kan didn't care much.

He genuinely felt that given Song Xuan's strength, there was no need for him to form a marriage alliance with a military general.

This is not so advantageous for his future career in the court.

It's possible that the civil officials didn't accept him, and the military officials also felt that he was one of the civil officials' men.

Such a talented person will likely find it difficult to move an inch in the imperial court in the future.

"Never mind, let's not concern ourselves with this matter."

It was Li Zhaoshu, who was over sixty years old, who finally understood Cao Liyong's good intentions:
"You must keep this a secret."

"what?"

Cheng Kan didn't quite understand.

"In short, even if the news leaks out in the future, it must not be from your or my mouth."

Li Zhaoshu then gave Cheng Kan earnest advice.

Cheng Kan indicated that he understood, but based on his observation of the Cao brothers at the dinner table, they were quite talkative and probably wouldn't be able to keep it a secret for long.

Since Cao Liyong had taken Song Xuan away, Cao Yuan and his brothers looked at Wang Bao, preparing to question him.

But even after they had all finished eating, Wang Bao was still eating in the kitchen.

Wang Bao didn't see Song Xuan, so he ignored the others and decided to eat first.

The Cao family is so extravagant, it's no problem for them to eat more of their food. When they get home, they can eat less of Twelfth Brother's food, saving Twelfth Brother money.

Cao Yuan stared at the stack of plates. He glanced at Wang Bao, then at the pile of plates.

"No, where did my brother-in-law gather such strong soldiers?"

Such a large appetite is not common even in the military.

“If we didn’t have any armor at home, I would definitely find you a set to try on.”

Even Cao Liyong wouldn't dare to hide armor in his house.

Wang Bao felt that the sons of Cao Shizhong were all very noisy, like country ducks quacking.

In the study room.

"What you just did really opened my eyes."

Cao Li picked up his teacup, thinking that Song Xuan's action of drawing his bow and shooting an arrow was too cool.

With fluid grace, the arrow not only pierced through the holes of three copper coins, but also perfectly hit the bullseye.

That's how a real man should be!

"Actually, I think the two-stone bow is quite difficult, but the three-stone bow is too easy to break the copper coin."

"Hahaha."

Cao Li's entire being radiated joy:
“I don’t have a three-stone bow in my household. That two-stone bow was a gift from the late emperor, and I don’t use it easily.”

"I'll get you a three-stone bow later, but it will take time."

Song Xuan indicated that he understood.

The gifts bestowed by the emperor were not very practical.

They can't even be taken out and used easily.

If damage occurs, it could easily lead to impeachment.

"Uncle, I think your mansion is too extravagant."

"Luxury?"

Cao Yong didn't care at all; his salary was enough to justify such extravagance, not to mention he also had a very wealthy father-in-law.

"That's because you haven't seen enough."

Cao Li put down his teacup:

"When you have the chance to take a walk around Tokyo sometime in the future, don't always go to those places where commoners stay, and you will find that my residence, Cao Liyong's residence, is still very simple."

"Oh?"

Cao Liyong saw that Song Xuan did not believe him:

"Even Uncle Yan's house, after being renovated, is quite luxurious."

"Since we are in Tokyo, we high-ranking officials can only put the emperor at ease by being extremely extravagant and even indulging in pleasures."

Cao Liyong chuckled: "You taught me this, good son-in-law, and you've already forgotten so quickly?"

"I see. I haven't taught my uncle to emulate the story of Xiao He."

Song Xuan could also understand the deeper meaning behind it.

If these ministers were truly like Yue Fei, even the emperor sitting on the throne would be afraid.

You "don't smoke, don't drink, aren't a womanizer, and don't like big houses."

What the hell do you want to do?
That's the spot right under my butt!

Judging from the Zhao family's level of awareness, you must also want to be crowned emperor and stage the Chenqiao Mutiny, right?

No one understands military coups better than my Zhao family!

Such a person must be dealt with decisively, especially an emperor who was so frightened by the Jurchens that he lost his fertility.

"There are some things I don't need you to teach me."

Cao Liyong stared at Song Xuan and said:
"You've already seen my daughter's portrait. Now that you've seen her in person, are you satisfied?"

"Satisfied? What could I possibly be dissatisfied with?"

Song Xuan chuckled: "If she were petite and cute, I really wouldn't like that kind of look."

Cao Liyong gasped.

Because this is not the normal aesthetic of men in the Song Dynasty.

Song Xuan just said that he doesn't like mainstream aesthetics!

"Are you really not joking again?" Cao asked, somewhat uncertainly.

"There are no outsiders here, why would I lie to you?"

Song Xuan said nonchalantly, "Could it be that I, Song Twelve, deliberately lied to you and arranged the marriage early just to make things difficult for myself?"

"That's someone I'll be sleeping with for the rest of my life!"

"Haha, I'm glad you like it."

Cao immediately thought of the proverb, "Different strokes for different folks."

Song Shier was never an ordinary person to begin with, and now that his interests are different from those of ordinary people, it only proves that there is nothing wrong with him!

That is the truth!

Cao Liyong was well aware of the rumors circulating in Nanjing about the courtesan.

However, he was certain that Song Xuan had gone that one time with his classmates.

On the contrary, the young ladies in the brothels always hoped that Song Xuan would visit again, and kept spreading rumors about it.

So that's where the problem lies: our son-in-law's aesthetic sense regarding women is different from others.

"correct."

Cao Li handed a document from his desk to Song Xuan:

"This is information that my subordinate Kang Deyu was sent to give Zhao Deming winter clothes to gather.

Li Deming of Western Xia was granted the surnames Li and Zhao by the Tang and Song dynasties respectively.

Zhao Deming is Li Deming.

When Song Xuan opened it, he saw some information about the current situation in Western Xia.

After Li Deming succeeded to the throne, he consistently favored development along the Hexi Corridor, attacking the Tubo in the south and the Uyghurs in the west, greatly expanding the living space of the Dangxiang Qiang people.

He believed that Xiping Prefecture was located in a strategically important area, which was not conducive to defense, so he crossed the Yellow River to the north and built a city.

They built city walls, palaces, ancestral temples, and ancestral fields, and established their capital here.

He still submitted to the Song and Liao dynasties externally, but internally he had completely adopted the demeanor of an emperor.

In particular, the morale of the emperor, his ministers, and the common people was greatly boosted when he led the elite soldiers of Western Xia to defeat the 500,000-strong army of the Liao emperor.

There was a strong call for foreign conquest.

After reading Kang Deyu's account of his experiences in Western Xia, Song Xuan finally wrote down his fear of the Western Xia king, Li Deming.

Because this kind of thing simply cannot be hidden.

That is, Li Deming asked Kang Deyu whether it was his ancestor who killed his relatives during the Lingwu battle.

Fearing retaliation from Li Deming, Kang Deyu immediately denied it.

Back then, Li Jiqian seized 400,000 jin of grain from the Song army and mobilized a large army to besiege Lingwu City. Zhao Kuangyi was furious and sent five routes to attack Xia, but all of them were defeated.

When Emperor Zhenzong of Song ascended the throne, in order to appease the situation, he ceded Xia, Sui, Yin, You (Jingbian in Shaanxi), and Jing (Mizhi in Shaanxi) to Li Jiqian, effectively acknowledging the independent status of Western Xia.

"Old Kang is getting more and more useless. I don't plan to let him lead troops on the front line. I'm going to recommend him to be a deputy commander."

Song Xuan nodded in response to Cao Liyong's words.

In relations between two countries, if your envoy is a coward, it will be detrimental to the entire country.

People will think you are weak and easily bullied.

Then they must have been thinking of bullying you.

Especially now that the Western Xia is sharpening its swords, having already defeated the Liao Dynasty, how could the Song army, which is only thinking about defense, not be concerned?

He also had his sights set on developing his business in the Central Plains. Who doesn't know that the Central Plains are fertile land?

Cao Liyong was inherently tough on foreign powers.

Especially in dealing with Liao envoys, whether it was on the eve of the Treaty of Chanyuan or later when dealing with the unruly Khitan envoys.

The civil officials of the Song Dynasty were extremely helpless against these rogue envoys, and on several occasions they had to ask Cao Yong to clean up their messes.

"Take another look at this intelligence report."

Song Xuan took the other document, which stated that the Liao Kingdom's campaign against the Uyghurs had indeed ended in failure.

The fact that the Song Dynasty sent troops to trade really surprised the Liao and Uyghur kingdoms, and even left the Western Xia somewhat bewildered, constantly monitoring the Song army.

After all, the Song Dynasty wouldn't have cared about this matter before.

Cao Liyong stroked his beard and laughed:

"Didn't you also give advice to Liu Ye, the prefect of Henan Prefecture? He actually organized a group of merchants to exchange silk and grain for warhorses from the Uyghurs."

"This move left the Western Xia and Liao dynasties speechless."

While the Song Dynasty nominally sent troops to help, it actually further weakened the Uyghurs' strength.

More than 20 years ago, Li Jiqian led his troops to contribute to Lingzhou, an important town of the Song Dynasty, which was renamed Xiping Prefecture. Later, he captured Liangzhou, an important town in the northwest, cutting off the trade route between the Song Dynasty and the Western Regions.

This not only cut off the tribute from the Western Regions to the Song Dynasty, but also prohibited the various tribes of the Western Regions from selling horses to the Song Dynasty.

The Song Dynasty lacked horse breeding grounds in both the west and the north, so it could only focus on developing its infantry.

The armor of the infantryman was extremely heavy.

When the Song army fought against the Western Xia and Khitan, they could not catch up with them at all, and they could not even outrun them when they fled.

Song Xuan nodded.

In reality, it seems that the Song Dynasty finally gained an advantage, as a batch of warhorses finally entered the country, but the strength of the Uyghurs became increasingly weak.

"It's all thanks to your idea!"

Cao Yong personally poured tea for Song Xuan, believing that the court would surely receive this news the next day.

Song Xuan put down the letter in his hand:
"Uncle, I don't think it's something to be overly happy about."

"what?"

Cao Liyong had just put down his teacup and was momentarily confused by Song Xuan's words.

This was indeed extremely favorable news for the Song Dynasty.

"Kang Deyu's description of the situation in the letter just now is very accurate."

"Especially in recent years, the Western Xia has been vying with the Uyghurs for control of Ganzhou and with the Tibetans for control of Liangzhou."

In the ninth year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era (1016), Li Deming posthumously honored his father Li Jiqian as "Emperor". In the fourth year of the Tianxi era (1020), he built the capital city in Huaiyuan Town, Lingzhou (now Yinchuan, Ningxia) and renamed it Xingzhou.

"Uncle Cao, how long do you think it will take for Western Xia to take over Gansu and Liangzhou?"

After listening to Song Xuan's question, Cao Li thought for a long time before speaking:

"It's just a matter of time."

The Western Xia had already become the little overlord of the Northwest.

Everyone felt some fear towards the Western Xia.

After all, the Liao Dynasty, the most powerful military force in the entire region, suffered a crushing defeat when it encountered the Western Xia.

Afterwards, both the Liao and Song dynasties bestowed titles and rewards upon the Western Xia.

The army of 500,000 men was utterly defeated, leaving behind many warhorses and ironware for the Western Xia armed forces.

What does it mean to become rich overnight?
Li Deming's confidence soared even higher.

"Now that the Song army is going out to help, I reckon Li Deming will still have to wait and see."

Song Xuan thought for a moment:
"He will make his move by next year at the latest, continuing to oppress the increasingly weak Uyghurs, taking the opportunity to occupy Ganzhou, and then completely seizing control of Liangzhou from the Tibetans within three to five years. What do you think he should do then?"

"how?"

Cao Yong stroked his beard, then looked up at Song Xuan with a solemn expression:

"proclaim oneself emperor!"

“That’s right. If Li Deming were to declare himself emperor, Western Xia would be unable to coexist with either the Liao or the Song Dynasty. Our Song Dynasty would certainly not recognize his title.”

"They will then launch a war, attack the borders of the Great Song Dynasty, force the Great Song Dynasty to cede territory and pay tribute, and openly recognize their regime."

Song Xuan spread his hands:
"If we don't prepare early, it might become a second Treaty of Chanyuan, and our Great Song Dynasty will have to send annual tribute to the small country of Western Xia. That would only make future generations laugh."

Upon hearing this, Cao Liyong immediately stood up:
"How could our Great Song Dynasty send annual tribute to the insignificant vassal state of Western Xia? It would be an utter disgrace!"

"Twelve, you should never boost the morale of others while diminishing your own."

"Even if war breaks out on the border in the future, our Great Song Dynasty will never be defeated!"

Song Xuan picked up his teacup without saying a word.

The more he acted this way, the more apprehensive Cao Yong became.

As the top military leader, Cao Yong naturally held himself to a very tough stance against other countries.

Otherwise, if the top military leaders are all spineless, wouldn't they just be at the mercy of others?

"The Liao dynasty's 500,000-strong western expedition ended in defeat. When will the Song dynasty have the strength to destroy the Liao dynasty?"

Hearing Song Xuan's question, Cao Liyong remained silent.

In fact, the Liao Dynasty was able to conquer Kaifeng because of their strength. In addition, the fact that the military leaders at the time did not follow the emperor's orders led to that result.

Nowadays, there are no more disobedient military leaders.

Cao Liyong was not actually confident in the strength of the Song Dynasty's elite soldiers.

After all, there have been confrontations with the Western Xia over the years, and even further back there was the Five-Route Campaign against the Xia, all of which ended in great defeat.

How confident are you about what you're saying?

Cao Yongli was ultimately somewhat discouraged.

The Song Dynasty was a vast and resource-rich land with a large army, but most of them were just trying to make a living.

The truly elite soldiers are only a minority.

Most importantly, the Song Dynasty had not experienced war for several years. How could it possibly defeat the Western Xia army, which could come and go as it pleased?
We can only defend passively!

"Time will give us more confidence."

Song Xuan poured Cao Yong another cup of tea: "Nowadays, the Song army is probably quite inexperienced in combat."

Despite the court's precautions against the Khitans, the border areas had long since lost their vigilance, with various defensive weapons and city walls suffering extensive damage and yet to be repaired.

Cao Liyong did go to inspect it, but the court was unwilling to spend money on it.

"Is there really no solution?"

Cao Yong frowned and said, "If the Western Xia successfully annexes the Uyghurs, its strength will become even more formidable, just as you said."

"I haven't thought of any suitable solutions yet."

Song Xuan stretched out both hands:
"Currently, the Uyghurs are extremely weak, and the Song Dynasty is not strong either. Even if war breaks out and we want to support the Uyghurs, Li Mingde will surely use a strategy of besieging the point and attacking the reinforcements, which will lead to our demise."

Although Cao Liyong did not understand the strategy of besieging a point to attack reinforcements, he understood after listening to Song Xuan's explanation that it was a similar tactic to the strategy of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.

"Can't you fight a war?"

Cao Li sighed softly:

"I don't have any big ideas right now. The Northwest region desperately needs horses. Even for infantry, we need a lot of mules or donkeys to pull carts carrying provisions, armor, and so on."

Especially the infantry armor of the Song Dynasty, which was extremely heavy, and no one would wear it while marching.

"So we can only watch them develop like this?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Song Xuan took a sip of tea before leisurely saying, "I'll think about such things after I pass the imperial examinations with top honors."

Upon hearing Song Xuan's goal of achieving the highest honors in all three categories, Cao Liyong immediately shook off his worries.

In any case, nothing is more important than the affairs of one's own son-in-law.

"You should study hard. In the capital city, if you use my name, Cao Liyong, no one will dare to bully you!"

"really?"

Song Xuan chuckled:
"I don't think Uncle Cao's status is very high, yet someone wants to marry off the daughter of the Chamberlain to someone as a second wife?"

Hearing this, Cao Yongli was also very embarrassed.

That's how it is; he really didn't tell anyone about looking for a son-in-law.

But the "matchmaking market" is right here.

In the Song Dynasty, having the children of military generals was really not a good choice.

Even if one could marry into the royal family, there wouldn't be many opportunities to marry into the court's high-ranking civil officials.

"Don't expose my shortcomings like that. You should just stay home and study."

Cao Yongli sighed again: "I will warn those brats to keep their mouths shut and not let anyone else bother you."

"Ah."

Song Xuan nodded and then listened to Cao Liyong recount the dispute among several prime ministers in the court.

Now he always acts like a "nice guy," and those people have started fighting amongst themselves, so no one bothers him anymore.

Cao Liyong was very happy to watch the excitement and was delighted every day.

"By the way, Wang Qinruo saw me for a medical consultation, and I think he may not have much time left."

After thinking for a moment, Song Xuan said, "After he passes away, the disputes in the court may become even more intense."

"Oh?"

Cao Li knew that Wang Qinruo had a house in Nanjing, and that was why he was going back to Nanjing to see the renowned doctor Wang.

"He's looking for you?"

"That's right, seeing a doctor is just an excuse; maybe he just wants to meet me in person."

Song Xuan chuckled: "After all, I saved his son from being half-dead."

Cao Liyong only knew that Wang Congyi was ill, but he never expected that Song Xuan had saved him.

"Then you should be careful. Wang Qinruo is not very generous. It would be best if his son didn't develop any illness before he dies."

Cao Liyong said with some worry:
"You know, sometimes it's better to avoid trouble."

"I see."

After the two finished a pot of tea, Song Xuan took his leave.

"Do you still need to spend some time alone with Qingyao in private?"

"I'll have time."

Song Xuan stood at the door: "Even if I am very confident, I still need to work hard to become the top scholar. There are countless students in the world, and maybe one of them will quietly shine."

"it is good."

Cao Liyong understood that even if Song Xuan had this confidence, there would always be one or two people whose names he had never heard of before who would perform exceptionally well every year.

"Are you full?"

When Wang Bao heard Song Xuan enter the kitchen, he grinned and said, "That's about it. It would be even better if we could have a pot of wine too."

"Have it?"

Cao Yuan quickly replied, "Yes, yes, I forgot."

The servant quickly brought over a dog-head-shaped jug.

"Brother-in-law, are you planning to leave?"

Cao Yuan glanced at the sky outside and said, "Why don't we stay home for dinner?"

"Yes, brother-in-law, you haven't even said a word to Yaoyao yet."

Song Xuan glanced at Cao Yuan, then smiled and said:

"There will be plenty of time to talk after we get married. Today's visit is to settle our affairs."

"The main problem is that the pressure of the provincial exams is quite high."

"If your sister is not satisfied with me, it's good to tell her in advance so as not to put too much pressure on her."

After hearing Song Xuan's explanation, Cao Yuan and the others expressed their understanding.

Even the youngest, Cao Xu, wouldn't think that his older sister disagreed.

After all, Song Xuan's arrow was so cool; it hit right in his heart.

"what!"

Wang Bao let out a long burp before standing up: "Twelfth Brother, I'm done eating."

"No rush, sit for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. It's not good for your health to walk around right after eating."

"Okay." Wang Bao readily agreed to Song Xuan's words.

"Brother-in-law, you even know about health preservation?"

"good."

Song Xuan gestured, "How about I take your pulse?"

"it is good."

Cao Yuan's interest was greatly piqued, and after a while he heard:

"You must know how to be moderate in your sexual affairs, otherwise you will become weak in a few years."

"what?"

Cao Yuan had been married for a long time and even had children, but the couple had a good relationship.

The other brothers immediately looked at Cao Yuan with meaningful expressions.

"Brother-in-law, what is 'fatigue'?" The youngest, Cao Xu, didn't understand.

Cao Yuan didn't say anything, he just chuckled awkwardly.

The group laughed and joked as they saw Song Xuan off at the gate.

Then they heard "Father" telling them all to go to the study, saying he had something to reprimand them.

"Madam, young lady, Song Twelve has already left."

Cao Qingyao was getting ready, while Madam Cao smiled beside her.

"what?"

Madam Cao was somewhat surprised. Why did she leave so suddenly?
Cao Qingyao removed the gold hairpin from her head:
"Mother, does he not like me?"

"Will not."

Madam Cao immediately sensed her daughter's low spirits:
"Scholars are generally quite tactful. How could I possibly have a secret rendezvous with you before we are married?"

“A talented man like Song Twelve would certainly pay close attention to this influence.”

Cao Qingyao was very insecure about her figure, after all, the other sisters were all quite petite and cute.

After returning to his rented place, Song Xuan lay on the bed and began to read the Spring and Autumn Annals carefully.

We learn new things by reviewing the old.

The most important thing is to pass the imperial examination first.

Everything else can wait.

Moreover, before leaving Songcheng, he had already been intimate with Qian Shishi for a long time.

The Imperial City Guard only reported that Song Xuan had visited Cao Liyong, but nothing came of what happened inside.

They don't know.

After all, Emperor Zhenzong did not send spies to the homes of his important ministers, and neither did Emperor Zhao Zhen after he ascended the throne.

Zhao Zhen didn't say much; he knew that Cao Shizhong and his twelfth brother had connections.

Now that my twelfth brother has come to Tokyo and is renting Zhang Qi's house, it was Cao Shizhong who sent someone to rent it.

The next day at the imperial court.

Zhao Zhen had grown accustomed to watching his prime ministers argue with each other over the same issue.

He had long understood that important matters should be discussed in small meetings, while minor matters should be discussed in large meetings.

With Wang Qinruo absent, Wang Zeng, still the prime minister, was leading the discussion, talking about Liu Ye of Henan Prefecture and the fact that the Liao Kingdom had indeed been defeated.

All eyes turned to Cao Liyong, who was sitting to the side.

Because everyone thought the Liao Kingdom would win, only Cao Liyong said the Liao Kingdom would lose.

Now that so much time has passed, it has proven that what Cao Liyong said was true.

"As expected, Minister Cao has a strategic vision."

Wang Zeng had to admire Cao Liyong's military acumen; he had misjudged the situation, but he didn't lose his temper.

In particular, the Song Dynasty also benefited from this.

Thanks to Cao Liyong's skillful management, several prime ministers now praise him.

Liu E also showered her with praise.

Zhao Zhen smiled, he actually felt that his twelfth brother had told Cao Shizhong some things in advance.

Cao thanked him calmly and respectfully, then sighed:
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, and fellow colleagues, I am actually very happy to hear this news, but I also have some concerns."

"Is Attendant Cao worried?" Liu E was somewhat puzzled.

"What worries come from?"

Cao then used Song Xuan's argument.

Wang Zeng, Lü Yijian, and others fell into deep thought.

The Western Xia's military strength is growing stronger and stronger, and even the Liao Dynasty is helpless against it. Can the Song Dynasty contain it?
Cao Liyong's words once again refreshed their understanding of him.

How could he have such profound insight into military matters?
"In any case, I will not agree to recognize the Western Xia as an empire, let alone pay them annual tribute."

Seeing that no one spoke, Zhao Zhen, who was sitting on the throne, clenched his fist and said.

Or rather, none of the pro-war faction members present knew how determined Zhao Zhen was to fight!

Since the emperor has said so, how could his subjects refute him?

"But I think Cao Shizhong might be worrying too much?"

Wang Zeng had considered it, but the Song Dynasty was not currently suitable for a war.

The main problem is that I don't have money.

Then the soldiers were not elite enough.

Whether you win or lose, you must give out a large reward.

Where does the money come from?

Wang Zeng also agreed with Cao Yongli's assertion, but at present, the Song Dynasty really had no way to counter it.

Why worry unnecessarily?

Lü Yijian immediately spoke up:
"What Minister Cao said makes perfect sense. Do you really think that the Tanguts also read the classics?"

"They drink blood and eat raw meat, plundering everywhere. Once the Uyghurs have been completely plundered by them, they will naturally come to plunder our Great Song. Li Jiqian has already been posthumously honored as emperor. How far away is it for them to declare themselves emperor?"

Lü Yijian used this incident to attack Wang Zeng, arguing that he was weak in foreign affairs and could not replace Wang Qinruo.

It would be best to kick him out of the central leadership.

Before Cao could even speak, someone spoke up for him. He didn't say much, but instead sat in his chair, acting as a thinker.

Empress Dowager Liu was also very angry.

I thought this matter was over, but I never expected there would be such a big follow-up problem.

She was good at political maneuvering, but not so good at military affairs.

She thought carefully about what Cao had just said and agreed with it.

Li Mingde will definitely do the same as me, testing the limits of the Song Dynasty step by step.

Just like Empress Liu wearing a dragon robe.

By thinking about it in this way, Liu E understood Li Mingde's actions.

"Minister Cao, what are your thoughts?"

“The Uyghurs can hold out for one or two years before being destroyed by the Western Xia, and Liangzhou will be occupied by the Western Xia in three to five years. At that time, Li Mingde will control the entire Hexi Corridor, and it will be difficult to send troops there. He will definitely openly declare himself emperor.”

Cao Liyong looked at Liu E and said, "At that time, our Great Song Dynasty did not agree. When war broke out between the two sides, the Khitans would only stand by and watch, just like our Great Song Dynasty did back then."

"Ah."

Liu E thought for a moment:
"You prime ministers should come up with a plan, whether it's for training the army in the Northwest or something else."

"In short, just as Your Majesty said, our Great Song Dynasty must not sit idly by and wait for its demise, nor can it pay annual tribute to vassal states. This would be a great disgrace!"

(End of this chapter)