A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 276 Discussion between the Ruler and His Minister
In the side hall.

Lu Lejian sat to the side, completely baffled.

He finally couldn't suppress his competitive spirit, and after handing in his paper, he also took a look at Song Xuan's policy essay.

Then, for no apparent reason, a sense of frustration arose in Lü Lejian's heart!
在论政这方面，他自认为平日里有作为宰相的父亲耳提面命，他又是家中最小的儿子，一直陪伴父亲，定是得到了许多言传身教。

He hoped that in the future he could carry on his father's will and become the prime minister of the Song Dynasty again.

Once again, we will follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and bring glory to our family.

This has always been something that Lü Lejian is very proud of.

But today, Song Xuan shattered Lü Lejian's beautiful illusions.

Even places that have always been a source of pride.

How could Song Twelve, a commoner, be so adept at political discourse?
It makes no sense!

Lü Lejian was aware of Song Xuan's family background, and he had little contact with his family, having made his own way in the world on his own.

There was absolutely no intention of passing on any family traditions or teachings.

Although today's question is difficult, in Lü Lejian's view, the questions set by the Emperor are very beneficial to the sons of officials.

哪一个当爹的没有在儿子面前，嘀咕过这类事？
Especially before a family member is about to enter officialdom.

Lü Lejian had experienced it all. Whether it was the imperial examination or the precautions to take in officialdom, it was all experience that the Lü family members had summarized through their own trials.

It's something that everyone else can only envy.

Therefore, Lü Lejian was full of confidence in this palace examination.

But that confidence vanished not long ago.

And they became extremely insecure.

When Lü Lejian saw Song Xuan's policy essay, he felt that Song Twelve was truly not a normal person.

Who is so kind as to remember so many cases?
Zhang Fangping used to boast that his twelfth brother had memorized the laws of the Song Dynasty, and that even Magistrate Zhang and Prefect Yan had asked him to help with cases.

Lü Lejian simply assumed that Yan Shu had a high opinion of Song Xuan and was trying to make him famous.

After all, he was very familiar with this kind of tactic.

可是现在此事想来竟然是真的，并不是在帮宋煊扬名。

Rather, it was because Song Xuan was truly capable and could offer reasonable advice based on the laws of the Song Dynasty.

Lü Lejian couldn't understand it.

Zhao Gai also walked into the side hall with a solemn expression, looking at his classmates who also had disbelief in their eyes.

He chuckled.

Sure enough, they all had that look of utter disbelief.

Impressed!

I can't accept it.

Zhao Gai had always felt that the differences between everyone were not significant.

Song Twelve was good at writing poetry and prose, but his policy essays were not necessarily strong.

Furthermore, since the provincial exam also tested questions about the Yellow River, the methods used by everyone on the Grand Canal could also be applied there, resulting in very close rankings.

But after reading his essays for today's palace examination, I realized that there was quite a gap between him and Song Xuan.

The key point is that Song Twelve was drugged and deliberately targeted.

可是他依旧用不足三刻就写完如此高质量的策论。

You should know that I spent nearly two hours writing, and I still didn't write as well as others.

这件事放谁身上也得发懵。

Luckily, I watched this after the exam, otherwise it would have affected my mindset before the exam.

"No."

Lü Lejian couldn't help but speak up:

"How can he be so strong?"

This question was asked.

Who can answer this?

Everyone thought they were capable of challenging for the top spot, but they were all defeated by Song Xuan alone, who successfully defended his title.

Or rather, the person you wanted to challenge couldn't even get a chance to stand on the sidelines.

Song Twelve achieved the remarkable feat of passing the imperial examinations with top honors in all three categories.

Becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination is enviable enough, but he also achieved the triple crown.

It wouldn't matter if this happened before or after, but it happened to someone close to me.

That feeling is actually quite complicated!
Going back, those three people who achieved the highest honors in all three categories all won by excelling in poetry and prose.

Looking ahead, who knows how many years it will be before another person appears who can achieve such a feat, winning all three top honors in a row?
“我确实不如宋十二。”

Wang Yaochen's face turned ashen, and he finally let out a long sigh:

"I can't write his kind of exquisite articles."

Originally, the top scholar of the fifth year of the Tiansheng era should have been taken into Wang Yaochen's arms, and his three years of hard work had not been in vain.

奈何出现了宋煊这么一个变数。

Now that Wang Yaochen had said that, the challengers around him couldn't hide the sour look on their faces.

Everyone was a "prodigy" in their respective prefectures, and each had their own pride in the imperial examinations.

结果在殿试这最后一步，道心被宋煊一个人击的粉碎。

Even if Song Xuan was on the day the results were announced, people could still somewhat accept the news that he had actually become the top scholar.

Before the exam was even finished, the emperor announced the biggest suspense.

Song Xuan immediately crushed his hopes of becoming the top scholar.

他甚至连诸多学子晚上睡觉前偷偷畅想，带着笑意入睡的机会都不给一个！
在王尧臣说完后，吕乐简情不自禁的瞧着他，也追加了一句：
"Damn it, how come Song Twelve writes so well?"

"Fuck!"

"How could it not be written by me!"

没有人应和吕乐简。

After all, that's a bit too rude.

However, sometimes being rude can better reveal one's inner thoughts.

After all, people can only say that Song Xuan's success in the provincial and metropolitan examinations was due to good luck.

After seeing Song Xuan's exam paper, anyone who still says he got lucky is just contradicting themselves.

If his policy essay isn't well-written, then all he's written is a pile of history.

Han Qi sat to the side, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Because he not only saw Song Xuan's policy essay, but also the Emperor's imperial comments:
"It can bring peace to the world!"

He genuinely believed the fortune teller on the street who said that five prime ministers had walked past him.

十二哥那便是领头的那一位。

"No, is he really the reincarnation of the God of Literature or something?"

Han Qi looked over and realized they weren't students from Yingtianfu Academy; he didn't recognize them.

No one responded. Just then, Zhang Fangping walked into the side hall humming a little tune.

Not a single person in this group was discussing how brilliant Twelfth Brother's strategy was.

I find this very strange!
"You all handed in your papers early after the exam, so why are you all looking so long-faced?"

Zhang Fangping looked at Lü Lejian and smiled:

"Aren't you usually the most talkative?"

Lu Lejian forced a face that looked worse than crying.

He was the second person, after Wang Yaochen, to hand in his paper in protest.

结果一直到沉默到现在，也就方才就说了那几句话。

Zhang Fangping ignored him and said with a smile:

"I read the policy essay written by Twelfth Brother, it's really amazing!"

"Didn't any of you watch it?"

"Haha, if I hadn't seen it, I would have started praising it already."

Seeing that no one responded, Han Qi burst out laughing:

"They all aspire to be the top scholar, so they didn't laugh when they saw Twelfth Brother's essay!"

"what?"

张方平环顾偏殿内的一群人，也是忍不住噗嗤笑出声来：

"Brother Lü, it's one thing for others, but how could you even have such thoughts? Do you really think that anyone can just mess with Twelfth Brother?"

吕乐简被说的一下子就红温，但是又极为尴尬。

He truly dared not mention his father, the prime minister, in public, lest he be ridiculed even more.

Your father is so capable, he gives you advice every day, yet you can't even write a proper policy essay.

Still want to be the top scholar?
Did they really think Lü Yijian could control everything in the court?

Zhang Fangping, with his hands behind his back and a grin, said:

“十二哥早就说过，这世上只有两种人。”

Wang Yaochen and the others looked at Zhang Fangping, who was closest to Song Xuan.

Everyone knew that Song Xuan had succumbed to the effects of the sleeping incense and gone to sleep.

"What two types of people?"

"One type is someone who spends their entire life just hovering at the threshold, unable to make any progress."

Zhang Fangping pointed behind him:

"Another way is to break down the threshold and pave it into a long staircase to the sky."

"You should each think about what kind of person you are."

Those who made it to the final examination, and were confident enough to submit their papers early and challenge Song Xuan for the top scholar title, were not fools.

They understood what Zhang Fangping meant.

They were no match for Song Xuan at all.

“哎，张大郎，你这样说，会不会太伤他们了。”

Han Qi quickly stood up:

"After all, Twelfth Brother isn't a flamboyant person."

Zhang Fangping stood with his hands behind his back and raised his voice:
"I just want to tell them not to be arrogant."

"The geniuses you see are nothing more than those who can recite the Classic of Filial Piety at the age of three, understand the Zuo Zhuan at the age of seven, and astound the state school with their Spring and Autumn Annals at the age of twelve."

"But what you don't know is that Twelfth Brother got up at dawn to write the poem, while you were still muttering in your dreams;"

"While Twelfth Brother was performing the Nine Chapters of Arithmetic on that snowy night, you were all gathered around the fire drinking."

"Twelfth Brother has read the Song Dynasty law so thoroughly that his wolf-hair brushes are worn out and used to fill bamboo baskets for firewood. You don't even know how many serious crimes are listed in the Song Dynasty law."

"While you are still searching for the methods of the sages in books on how to manage the canal, Twelfth Brother has already gone with Magistrate Zhang to inspect the waterway and draw up a map of the canal."

Lü Lejian stood up abruptly.

He stared at Zhang Fangping in disbelief.

Because Song Xuan didn't live on campus, he studied in the classroom and also played and had fun with everyone.

But Lü Lejian never expected that Song Twelve would be so hardworking in secret!

"People who are even more talented than you work even harder than you!"

At this moment, the cold wind outside the hall made Zhang Fangping's scholar's robes flutter loudly, but he felt extremely comfortable and pointed to the entire hall, saying:
"The so-called geniuses in this world are nothing more than the threshold to meet Twelfth Brother."

“你们能同十二哥一同考试，说明你们自身实力也不差，只不过与十二哥相比较，差的有些大罢了。”

Upon hearing this, even Wang Yaochen looked up in surprise.

I don't know what to say.

Because he found that what Zhang Fangping said was true; Song Xuan's calligraphy alone was extremely beautiful, and it seemed to be his own creation.

Furthermore, when it comes to arithmetic, no one in the entire Yingtian Academy is better at it than him.

The side hall was completely silent, with only the howling wind serving as background music.

Although Song Xuan wasn't here, the thought of him writing such a brilliant essay even after being "tricked" before the palace examination still comes to mind.

These students, who aspired to be top scorers in the imperial examinations, felt an increasingly profound sense of failure.

If it were me, I might not be able to persevere through this, let alone finish writing it in three quarters of an hour.

It wasn't until Wen Yanbo entered the side hall that the main door was closed, and they looked at each other with great confusion.

How come none of them mind being cold?
Are we just going to let the cold wind blow in this hall?

"Oh my God."

Wen Yanbo's face lit up with surprise, and he couldn't help but share:

Have you read Twelfth Brother's policy essay?

"This is really well written!"

"He is the only one who deserves the top scholar title."

"I'm truly convinced."

Wen Yanbo didn't intend to become the top scholar; he only submitted his paper early so he could see Song Xuan's paper.

He knew Han Qi, especially since Han Qi was a man of few words.

This impressed Wen Yanbo, especially since in officialdom, one must be wary of what one says that can lead to disaster.

更何况大家都是“卦中”之人。

"Hahaha."

Zhang Fangping burst into laughter, but suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and felt the urge to urinate.

He went a bit overboard by showing off by leaving the door open while he was enjoying the cool breeze.

"Han Liulang, where is the toilet in the palace?" Zhang Fangping quickly asked.

"I'll take you."

Han Qi stood up and led Zhang Fangping out.

The two of them nodded to Wen Yanbo.

Wen Yanbo glanced at the silent people in the side hall and said nothing more.

Who knows what happened here?

Han Qi couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "I really didn't expect that Twelfth Brother would work so hard after returning home."

"I was just making it up," Zhang Fangping said, putting his hands in his sleeves. "How can you believe me?"

"what?"

Han Qi's face showed shock.

After all, Zhang Fangping had been living in Song Xuan's house for a long time, so what he said must be true.

Could it be fake?

Don't be so surprised.

Zhang Fangping moved very quickly:
"How could Twelfth Brother, a genius like him, put in so much hard work?"

“我方才不过是让他们更加容易相信自己愿意相信的事。”

"It's like if I work a little harder, I can surpass the first place."

"But in reality, no matter how hard you try, the grade on the test paper is fixed, but Twelfth Brother's strength is not fixed."

"hiss."

Han Qi was truly taken aback.

He had just been fooled by Zhang Fangping.

"Twelfth Brother, have you really never put in such hard work?"

"He loves sleeping in even more than I do, how can he get up before dawn to read and practice calligraphy?"

Zhang Fangping had a smile on his face:

"You shouldn't tell anyone about this, lest it hurt them too much."

Zhang Fangping didn't tell the truth: his twelfth brother spent more time practicing martial arts and archery than he did practicing calligraphy.

Han Qi remained silent.

I never imagined I would get "hurt"!
Inside the palace where the emperor resided.

Zhang Maoze stood for a while, and seeing that Song Xuan had fallen asleep, he also sat down on a chair to rest.

Zhao Zhen walked briskly back to his palace.

There were quite a few students who wanted to challenge Song Xuan for the top scholar title, but they all failed and retreated.

Taken out of context, I only think that Song Xuan's policy essays are well written.

However, when all the students who thought they had written well submitted their policy essays and compared them side by side, the difference was truly like heaven and earth.

Even renowned scholars like Liu Yun had to admit that Song Xuan was currently far ahead of this group.

His rating was top-tier, while the others could only be rated as above average.

With such excitement, Zhao Zhen walked to his door, calmed himself down a bit, and then had Liang Huaiji gently push open the door.

Zhang Maoze was a very quick-witted person. Upon hearing footsteps, he immediately stood up and stood by his side.

Zhao Zhen walked into the room and looked towards the bed, finding that Song Xuan was indeed sleeping.

He beckoned Zhang Maoze over: "Twelfth Brother, have you been sleeping the whole time?"

"Your Majesty, Twelfth Brother fell asleep as soon as he entered the room. Perhaps the medicine has taken effect."

Zhao Zhen then recalled the incident that had caused him to lose face earlier that day, and nodded:
“让御厨房做些好吃的，一会等着十二哥醒了，我们俩一起吃个饭。”

"Yes."

Zhang Maoze then followed orders to find a cook, who was also known as the Imperial Chef.

Because the food culture in the Song Dynasty was extremely prosperous, and everyone loved to eat.

Large banquets typically require professional cooks to prepare the food, and even for casual gatherings in wealthy households, cooks are often invited to cook at their homes.

In terms of the professional skills required for cooks, the market demand is enormous, and the shortage is even greater.

Even in this particular field, there is an extreme bias towards women over men.

Wen Tianxiang once wrote "Ode to Famous Beauties" which says:

"People in the capital are poor if they have a son, but they are not poor if they have a daughter. The neighbor to the east serves a king or nobleman, and the neighbor to the west serves a high-ranking official."

Don't underestimate the low social status of a cook; she can make a living anywhere through her skills.

In the capital, there was a woman named Song Wu Sao who could cook a dish called "Fish Soup".

People flock to follow them, much like internet celebrities, and end up achieving financial freedom.

Zhao Zhen tiptoed to the bedside and stood there carefully examining Song Xuan's appearance.

To be honest, some of his answers don't add up.

However, one can still vaguely see his childhood appearance in Song Xuan's eyes and brows.

Zhao Zhen truly never expected that everyone would suddenly gather in this way.

Eleven years have passed in the blink of an eye.

My twelfth brother really did pass the imperial examination with top honors, and even achieved the feat of passing all three levels of the examination with top honors.

Most importantly, he is the top scholar of the Song Dynasty, personally selected by me in the palace.

Zhao Zhen didn't give his mother a chance at all, and spoke up on the spot to prevent her from taking the matter away from him.

Song Xuan wasn't sleeping at home, and it was broad daylight, so he slept very lightly.

He didn't open his eyes, wanting to see what the young emperor in front of him wanted to do.
He just stood there without moving.

Song Xuan pretended to open his eyes, looked at Emperor Zhao Zhen of the Song Dynasty, and then sat up:

"Your Majesty, what time is it?"

"It's time to eat at 1-3 PM."

Sure enough, I'm starting to feel hungry.

Song Xuan got out of bed, stood up, and bowed again:
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for appointing me as the top scholar."

"Brother Twelfth truly deserves the title."

Zhao Zhen pulled Song Xuan by the arm and led him to the desk beside him: "I've already had someone arrange the meal. Let's talk first."

Song Xuan did not refuse and sat down opposite him.

He sized up the man historically known as Emperor Renzong of Song.

Zhao Zhen is still very young; the acne on his face hasn't even cleared up yet.

A little strange!
Song Xuan raised an eyebrow. The emperor got married so early, and he has more than one woman besides the empress. How could he possibly be so bored that he would get acne?
"My twelfth brother is so young, achieving the feat of passing the imperial examinations in three consecutive examinations at such a young age. If I don't think he's the first to do so, I think he'll be the last to do so."

Hearing Zhao Zhen's flattery, Song Xuan laughed a few times:

"Talented people emerge in every generation, each leading the way for hundreds of years."

Zhao Zhen's eyes lit up. Although he was prepared for Song Xuan's eloquent speech, he never expected to encounter it in person.

"What a wonderful saying, 'Talented people emerge in every generation!'"

Zhao Zhen sat in the chair, so excited he almost jumped up:

"I admire Twelfth Brother's literary talent."

Song Xuan also felt that Zhao Zhen had a very commoner-like impression, as he didn't constantly refer to himself as "I" or anything like that.

Although the current Song Dynasty rulers have not proclaimed that they will share the world with the scholar-officials, the scholar-officials are extremely enthusiastic about participating in politics.

Because after experiencing the chaos of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the scholar-official class had a significant change in their concept of national governance.

That is, maintaining national peace does not only rely on the rulers, but their class also bears a great responsibility.

Zhang Fangping's later compilation of "The Complete Collection of Music" states that the emperor and the scholar-officials share a common destiny and are essentially one in principle.

Although the prime minister's power was not as great as in previous dynasties, the executive power remained in the prime minister's hands, and the emperor could not arbitrarily infringe upon the prime minister's executive power.

At the same time, the prime minister could not deprive the emperor of his legislative and decision-making powers.

Everyone checks and balances each other.

Even imperial edicts issued by the emperor to the whole country required the countersignature of the prime minister; the emperor could not issue edicts to local areas without the prime minister's consent.

Therefore, the prime minister of the Song Dynasty could oversee all matters issued by the emperor.

"Your Majesty, poetry is but a minor art."

Song Xuan then waved his hand:
"These are just things that bring fame. If I become an official in the future, I will still focus on benefiting the people and serving the government. Otherwise, there is no point in being an official."

Zhao Zhen did not find Song Xuan's words offensive.

When Song Twelve said that poetry was a minor art, he wasn't being arrogant; he was absolutely right.

毕竟早就证明了自己在诗词上的造诣。

Zhao Zhen was also aware of what was happening in Luoyang.

He even wrote a letter to ask Qian Weiyan about it.

钱惟演在书信当中详细描述了当日宴会上的盛况。

Unfortunately, such a situation is unlikely to be repeated.

"Ah."

Zhao Zhen nodded repeatedly, then asked:

"Twelfth Brother's strategy essay is really well written. Do you think so too?"

Song Xuan glanced at the other people standing in the room, but didn't respond. He simply said:

"Your Majesty, could you please have someone brew a pot of tea? I haven't had any water and I'm very thirsty."

赵祯当即让梁怀吉出去准备茶水。

Song Xuan stood up, took a couple of steps, watched him close the door, and then sat down again.

"Does Your Majesty want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"Ok?"

Zhao Zhen was momentarily stunned: "What does Twelfth Brother mean?"

"That's what it means."

Zhao Zhen watched Song Xuan fiddling with the calligraphy brush, and then noticed his earlier intention to close the door. He lowered his voice as well:

"It's just the two of us here, Twelfth Brother, so please tell the truth."

"My policy essay is utter garbage," Song Xuan said, staring at Zhao Zhen.
"They talk a good game, but it's completely useless!"

Whether it was the Empress Dowager, or great Confucian scholars like Liu Yun, or the disgruntled scholars, or even Zhao Zhen himself, they all thought Song Xuan's writing was excellent.

But in Song Xuan's eyes, the policy proposals that were enough to win the top scholar title were all nonsense.

That's far too arrogant.

However, Zhao Zhen knew that Song Xuan would never speak carelessly, so much so as to belittle his own ability to become the top scholar.

"I hope Brother Twelfth can explain this."

"Your Majesty, do you really believe that if you, as the emperor, issue an edict, the prime minister and all the ministers below will carry it out faithfully?"

"Without the Prime Minister's consent, this edict I issued is invalid."

"hiss."

Song Xuan knew that the prime minister of the Song Dynasty had considerable power, but he did not expect it to be so great.

"That would be even more difficult."

Song Xuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty has been confined to the palace for so long that you are unaware of how difficult life is for the people outside."

"Is the livelihood of ordinary people difficult?"

Zhao Zhen read the memorials and found that there had been no disasters in the past two years, and the people were living quite well.

"Although I have never seen cannibalism in my hometown, I have seen people eat the flesh of the dead. I have also seen people lose thousands of coins in a gambling den in one night. Of course, this is nothing in Tokyo."

Zhao Zhen was certain that Song Xuan had not recognized him, because he had also witnessed the eating of human flesh.

The underground of Tokyo was incredibly chaotic, with no caves or tunnels. Moreover, due to the earthquake, the waterways that Emperor Taizong had ordered to be dredged collapsed or became connected to the streets of the previous dynasty.

In short, it's like a maze.

As for losing thousands of coins in a single night at a gambling den in Tokyo, that's really nothing.

Zhao Zhen himself took out 50,000 strings of cash to bet on Song Xuan's success in the imperial examination, and the amount increased from 50,000 to 100,000.

"That's why I say that policies based on metal and stone are just nonsense."

"Nowadays, the Song Dynasty is a mix of the poor and the rich."

Song Xuan pointed to the northwest:
“Even the Guide Army, which was founded by Emperor Taizu, lived like beggars. Their meager salaries were not enough to support their families. I don’t think the soldiers on the northern and northwestern borders will have an easier time.”

"They can't even feed and clothe their families properly, so expecting them to serve the Song Dynasty on the battlefield is, in my opinion, wishful thinking."

Zhao Zhen pressed his hands on the table, certain that Song Xuan was right about the Guide Army.

The treatment of the Xiangjun (a type of military unit) was generally poor.

He had also heard about soldiers on the border eating moldy rice.

However, in the prime minister's view, it was not a big deal.

At least the two countries signed the Treaty of Chanyuan, and although the Liao Dynasty occasionally made empty promises, it still abided by them.

"And then there are all sorts of officials; the court must spend a considerable amount on their salaries every year, right?"

Song Xuan counted on his fingers and laughed, "Even with this, some people are still not satisfied and want to embezzle money. The official allowance is even more blatant. The prefectural governor gives him three thousand strings of cash as soon as he takes office, which has become a common practice."

"The number of candidates for the imperial examination was expanded. Starting from the reign of Emperor Taizong, the number of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examination) increased from thirty to over three hundred. In addition, the practice of hereditary privilege was rampant, and the separation of official duties and real power was implemented. Official rank, title, and real power were divided into three parts, and multiple officials were in charge of the same position."

"The salary plus official land plus allowances of a seventh-rank official is enough to support fifty imperial guards in a year."

"Speaking of soldiers."

Song Xuan chuckled: "A camp of five hundred men has sixteen captains, most of whom are ghost soldiers who are just drawing salaries without working."

"In the end, the royal family's expenses were severe. The Yuqing Zhaoying Palace exhausted the wealth accumulated by the previous three emperors. I heard that the emperor's wedding cost six million strings of cash, not to mention the daily expenses of the other members of the imperial family."

Song Xuan's general remarks left Zhao Zhen speechless.

These are policies established by our ancestors, and he cannot easily change them.

Moreover, once this is changed, the phenomenon of military governors at the end of the Tang Dynasty will reappear, and the Song Dynasty will suffer the same fate as the Tang Dynasty.

Apart from the emperor, no one else has the independent power to help others.

Even for a prime minister, there must be several prime ministers to share power.

至于花钱这种事，更不是他所能控制的。

Since Zhao Zhen wanted to ask Song Xuan, and intended to use him as a strategist, he didn't get angry at being exposed.

“What my twelfth brother says is right. There is not much money left in the imperial treasury that Father Emperor left me.”

"Do you have a solution? Please teach me quickly."

Song Xuan shrugged and smiled, "I didn't."

"you have not?"

"I don't!"

"You really don't!"

Zhao Zhen was not convinced and thought Song Xuan was joking.

"I am still young, and what I have seen is only a small part of the situation. Besides, the current court has the Empress Dowager and the prime ministers, and they don't have any good solutions. I haven't had much experience at the grassroots level, so how can I possibly come up with a suitable solution?"

Zhao Zhen sighed softly, "Twelfth Brother is right. I was too eager for quick success."

"To be honest, if the imperial court had money, many problems wouldn't be problems."

Song Xuan leaned back in his chair: "It's a pity that the imperial court doesn't have that much money in its accounts. It's already good enough that they're not living beyond their means."

Zhao Zhen said somewhat helplessly:

"I really don't have any money. A few days ago, I managed to make up some money by betting on my twelfth brother to win the imperial examination."

"I originally intended to bet on you to become the top scholar, with interest."

"Unfortunately, no gambling den in Tokyo is willing to offer bets on you becoming the top scholar this time."

Zhao Zhen felt nothing but regret that this path to making money had failed.

Even as the emperor, he couldn't force the gambling den to offer this bet.

A question appeared in Song Xuan's eyes; he hadn't expected even the emperor to be involved in gambling.

No wonder he was an emperor who watched women's sumo wrestling in public.

He doesn't hold back at all, saying whatever comes to mind, much like his father.

"It's a pity. I also wanted to bet on myself to win. Last year, the gambling houses in Songcheng offered higher odds for me to win the top prize. I asked people to place bets, but they refused to pay out and I burned them all down."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but burst into laughter.

He only knew that Song Xuan went to the gambling den to collect debts, but he didn't do the arson, yet he was now pinning it on himself.

This made Zhao Zhen feel that Song Xuan was down-to-earth and not the arrogant and aloof type.

This way, everyone can get along more comfortably.

"A timely rain for Songcheng."

Zhao Zhen stopped laughing: "I've heard your story."

"Oh?"

Song Xuan leaned forward slightly, his elbow resting on the desk:
"Have you heard my story?"

"Correct."

Zhao Zhen was about to speak when he suddenly realized something was wrong.

I almost got dragged into a ditch by my twelfth brother.

How can the fact that I sent people to inquire about him be leaked out?

Although the two "met", they did not bring up their childhood stories.

Zhao Zhen felt the time was not yet right.

After all, he still had his mother, the Empress Dowager, above him.

Although he was confident that he could get Song Xuan on his side, he also had to be wary of his mother.

"The Story of the Stone, the Journey to the West." Zhao Zhen counted on his fingers:
“以前我爱看西游记，现在我爱看三国演义，只是你近期一直都忙于科举考试，许久未曾更新了。”

"Oh, I see!"

Song Xuan nodded slightly: "I'll write it when I have some free time after I'm done with this busy period."

Because he felt something was very strange just now.

Even though he had some fame, the title "Timely Rain" should not have reached the ears of the Song Emperor.

After all, he did not accept the "amnesty" after the uprising, so how could this nickname be well-known?

"Good." Zhao Zhen was very pleased.
"Then I'll rub my hands together and wait."

"We will certainly not disappoint the Emperor."

Zhao Zhen nodded repeatedly: "Where does Twelfth Brother plan to go to serve as an official and gain experience?"

“回陛下，就把我派往西北边境吧。”

Without hesitation, Song Xuan replied, "Li Mingde of Western Xia is an ambitious wolf who will surely declare himself emperor. I'll go and take a look, and try to hold them back."

Zhao Zhen did not respond to this.

Although he knew from Cao Liyong that this was Song Xuan's analysis.

However, Emperor Zhao Zhen was unwilling for Song Xuan to go directly to such a dangerous place as the Northwest.

Especially Song Xuan, who became the top scholar in the imperial examination and even achieved the triple crown.

Even those who ranked in the middle of the imperial examinations might not be sent to the Northwest, let alone someone who ranked first.

"This is not something I can decide."

Zhao Zhen sighed: "As you know, my mother is ruling as regent, and I have been learning how to handle government affairs. I don't even have the authority to appoint you."

Song Xuan nodded:
"Now that His Majesty has grown up, has the Empress Dowager ever hinted at returning power to His Majesty?"

"Never!"

Song Xuan chuckled: "It seems that even if His Majesty comes of age, he will not assume personal rule."

Zhao Zhen's expression changed again, and he felt a vague sense of worry.

Given how power-hungry my mother is, I'm afraid I won't have a chance to rule in my own right if she doesn't die!
Zhao Zhen had some hopes that when the time came, his mother would return power to him.

However, Song Xuan's words shattered Zhao Zhen's self-comfort, leaving him at a loss.

"Mother, she, me."

赵祯抿了抿嘴，最终什么都没有往外说。

Song Xuan wasn't in a hurry either, since there were some things he had already said that Zhao Zhen couldn't do anyway.

All of this only adds to your troubles.

"If the Empress Dowager were to recruit you, what would you do?"

"Recruit?"

宋煊有些意外的道：“陛下是否用词不当，大娘娘只会给我派些差遣去做事，如何会用招揽？”

"That's how things are within the imperial court now."

Zhao Zhen could also clearly sense the existence of the Empress Dowager's faction.

Song Xuan was the first person he planned to recruit.

We must ensure that he is not lured away by the conditions offered by his mother.

"Forming a party?"

Song Xuan curled his lip and immediately stated:

"Your Majesty, I despise the formation of factions in the court the most."

"Even if there are political parties, since I am a disciple of the Emperor, I am a member of the Imperial Party!"

As scholar-officials increasingly participated in politics, their factionalism grew even more.

In the political life of the Song Dynasty, factionalism and the resulting factional struggles were a prominent social phenomenon.

These political parties often attack each other due to differences in political views and ideologies, engaging in factionalism and mutual suppression, which can lead to political turmoil.

Moreover, Song Dynasty scholar-officials abandoned the taboo against factions that had been deeply taboo since Confucius and Mencius, and openly acknowledged the legitimacy of the existence of factions.

For example, Ouyang Xiu's theory of factions distinguishes factions by distinguishing between gentlemen and petty men. People were already attacking you for forming factions, but you ended up handing over the handle that you admitted to being a faction.

Zhao Zhen immediately dealt with Ouyang Xiu's cronies.

这篇文章文学价值很高，但是内容上却是充满虚伪，思想独尊，双标的行径。

Zhao Zhen was very satisfied with Song Xuan's statement.

He also placed great importance on factions and would not allow even the slightest hint of them to emerge.

Otherwise, we'd have to repeat the story of the ten sworn brothers before the Chenqiao Mutiny at the Zhao family's residence.

Do you cronies want history to repeat itself and overthrow the Song Dynasty?
"Twelfth Brother, you must never say these things in front of outsiders in the future."

In fact, when Zhao Zhen heard the terms "disciples of the emperor" and "imperial faction," he was extremely pleased, and even the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.

Zhao Zhen then carefully instructed:
"We are currently weak and have little say in the court. We should learn how to handle government affairs well so that we can shine when the time is right."

“官家说的对。”宋煊又叹了口气：“我今后还是要收敛一些脾气，否则就是给陛下惹麻烦了。”

“But you don’t have to suffer any injustice.” Zhao Zhen understood the meaning behind Song Xuan’s words:
"I'll give you a waist token later. If you need anything, you can come directly to the palace to find me."

"Does His Majesty mean that I should remain in Tokyo on official business?"

"Of course." Zhao Zhen nodded.

"Whenever I encounter a problem, I want to discuss it with my 12th brother, otherwise I can only keep it to myself."

"Can't the Emperor even have a private conversation with the Empress?"

Hearing Song Xuan's curious question, Zhao Zhen sighed again. He finally understood what it meant to keep family scandals private.

He was oppressed by his mother and plagued by the arrogant and domineering Empress Guo, making his life truly miserable.

Zhao Zhen didn't want to answer the question, but he asked again with extreme nervousness:

"Whose talent can compare to that of the ancients?"

Song Xuan pondered for a moment before smiling and saying:

"I do not wish to be like the ancients—I wish to be the ancients of later generations."

赵祯一下子被宋煊给绕进去了。

He stood up and said, quite excitedly:
“对对对，这个说的好啊！”

"Only by following someone as talented as Twelfth Brother can I learn more new knowledge."

"Then I am willing to be an exemplary emperor for future generations!"

At this moment, Zhao Zhen was filled with ambition for the future.

Young people always think they can handle everything.

No difficulty is a real difficulty; as long as I dare to think it, I dare to do it.

This courage gradually fades with age.

This applies to most people, whether they are ordinary citizens or emperors.

然后赵祯极为郑重的伸出手，看向宋煊：
"I hope you will lend me your help; I certainly won't hold you back."

Song Xuan found it somewhat amusing, but still stood up solemnly.

Snapped.

He gave Zhao Zhen a high five: "I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust."

"it is good."

Just then, the eunuch outside knocked on the door, saying that the meal was ready and asking if they wanted to serve it.

Zhao Zhen said with great excitement:

"Bring another pot of fragrant wine."

Liuxiang Wine is a top-quality wine of the Song Dynasty, brewed in the imperial palace and used exclusively by the royal family.

This wine was not available to ordinary people; it was usually given as a gift to the emperor on his birthday or to his ministers, and its production was limited.

Then the palace maids filed in.

Twenty-four dishes were laid out, including pork kidneys, bamboo shoots, stir-fried duck, and pan-fried lamb, all infused with wine and vinegar.

Zhao Zhen asked Song Xuan to sit to the side:
"Twelfth Brother, this is the most famous chef in Tokyo. You can't get this kind of food anywhere else."

"Hey, I want to try it and see how delicious it is."

Song Xuan thought his waiter Jiao Ming was a good cook, but apart from Sun Yang's restaurant, he hadn't really tried any other restaurants in Tokyo.

赵祯颇为得意的道：“保准让你吃了一回还想吃两回。”

(End of this chapter)