A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 351 The Beloved Little Princess

Ren Fu merely agreed verbally, but he actually saw through Zhu Guan's little scheme.

Do you want us brothers to help you clear the mud and get first place?

Then you'll make a big splash in front of the top scholar Song?
Don't even think about such a good thing, kid.

It would be a laughing stock if word got out that a bunch of Imperial Guards were doing work for criminals.

However, the status of Song soldiers was already low enough, and then they were mixed up with criminals.

Actually, it doesn't have much of an impact.

However, Ren Fu felt that Zhu Guan was bold and meticulous, and also had great strength, making him a good candidate to become a member of the Imperial Guard.

Let's see what he's willing to do after the dredging work is finished.

In any case, the Song army did not have much resistance to the inclusion of prisoners.

Unless someone's ancestors were soldiers, who would want to join the army?
After all, there was a saying in the Song Dynasty that "a good man should not become a soldier."

Even though Ren Fu had served in the palace for many more years than Song Xuan, he still had to pay his respects to Song Xuan, a civil official.

Ren Fu was at a disadvantage in terms of both rules and rank.

Soldiers like Di Qing, who rose through the ranks, had virtually no place in the Song Dynasty at present.

There wasn't even a precedent.

Most of the generals who commanded the army were "tiger sons of generals".

But only a few people can truly hold this title.

Fortunately, after the Treaty of Chanyuan, the Song Dynasty did not engage in any large-scale wars with foreign powers.

The Song Dynasty court was also unable to verify the quality of these sons of military families.

However, suppressing rebellions in the south is quite easy.

"Prefect Qin, the weather is getting hotter and hotter, and there are signs of drought."

After dealing with Zhu Guan, Ren Fu asked again:
“When I was patrolling the streets, I heard someone say that Song Zhuangyuan’s dredging was a waste of money, and that he was trying to win over the prisoners.”

"There will definitely be no flooding of Tokyo this year."

"So cleaning up the silt and garbage in the ditches is a complete waste of time and is utterly useless."

"After a while, it will be filled with garbage again by residents who litter."

it has started.

A thought suddenly flashed through Qin Ying's mind.

That is, people started to disagree with and attack Song Xuan's governing philosophy.

Qin Ying did not know whether it was the Chen brothers or Chen Gu, who was also a county magistrate in China.

Or perhaps it's Fanlou, which was being targeted, launching a counterattack.

From his perspective, these are the suspects.

"Isn't this bad?"

Qin Ying pointed to the ditch in the distance:

"That way you can patrol outside all the time, eat the food that Scholar Song sends, and you'll save money on yourselves."

"As for Scholar Song winning over a group of criminals, that's utterly laughable. What could those petty thieves possibly do for Scholar Song?"

"Are you going to attack the palace and force the Empress Dowager to abdicate in favor of the Emperor?"

Ren Fu waved his hand, saying that with so many imperial guards in the palace, how could they possibly let the top scholar Song lead these hundred or so prisoners into the palace?

That would be a gross underestimation of them.

Moreover, if things really come to that point, would there be any need for prisoners if the officials just raised their arms and gave the order?
These imperial guards all had to take credit for their service in supporting the emperor.

Ren Fu lowered his voice and said:
“Prefect Qin, I am not such a short-sighted person. I just feel that someone is targeting Scholar Song.”

"you do not need to worry."

Qin Ying wiped the sweat from his face:

"It would be better if we didn't need it. If we did, the loss would be far greater than the tax revenue that Song Xuan collected."

"By then, there will be even more refugees around Tokyo. Have you forgotten the great flood of last year?"

As a member of the Imperial Guard, Ren Fu was almost entirely uninvolved in disaster relief and post-disaster recovery efforts.

There were four military garrisons in Tokyo, and many street-front shops would also clean up their storefronts in this way to make money sooner.

Therefore, the Imperial Guards had almost no opportunity to participate in these matters on the streets; at most, it would be inconvenient for them to go home.

"There was a major flood last year, but there's no guarantee there won't be a major flood this year."

Ren Fu also didn't want the cleared ditches to be of any use:
"But in the blink of an eye, the number of people attacking Song Zhuangyuan increased."

"If this matter reaches the ears of the officials, it will likely have a negative impact."

"The fact that this reached the ears of the officials first means that the story is not true."

Hearing Qin Ying's certain words, Ren Fu surprisingly did not refute them.

Because he had indeed seen the Emperor drive Song Xuan's carriage, and it was on the very first day of his inspection.

Qin was appointed as a sub-prefect, but he generally did not attend court unless Chen Yaozu fell ill and asked him to fill in for him.

"What negative impact they have is none of your business."

Qin Ying glanced at Ren Fu:
"You should know that Scholar Song is more intelligent than the average person. How could he not understand the reason behind this?"

"Captain Ren should just focus on patrolling and make sure the other prisoners don't escape. Don't worry about the rest."

Ren Fu sighed; he really wanted to get involved with Song Xuan.

For no other reason than to gain favor with the officials.

What a great opportunity!

This arduous task turned into a cushy job when Ren Fu discovered that the emperor was giving Song Xuan a driving service.

He couldn't wait to introduce himself to Song Xuan, become Song Xuan's close friend, and help his brother out in the future.

Who would want to stand guard in the palace for their entire life? That's truly a sign of a lack of ambition.

He had no chance of being selected as a member of the imperial family because he was too old.

Just as he was chosen as a personal guard by Emperor Zhenzong when he was young, Zhao Zhen now also needs young people.

That's why people like Di Qing and Wang Gui were included.

Otherwise, would such a good thing fall to people of humble origins?
Qin Ying was thinking about something else entirely: Song Xuan's dredging of the ditches was something that almost no one in the court would try to trip him up.

Putting aside the fact that many officials also suffered from the floods, this matter did not require the court to pay for it; it was entirely Song Xuan's own audacity in raising funds to do so.

Just like the matter of the imperial court repairing the Yellow River, why was Liu Congde allowed to run amok?

Is it only this year that those projects were discovered to be shoddy?
That's because many people don't want to get involved in messy things.

Because this job was inherently impossible to succeed at.

Whoever gets involved will be held accountable.

Therefore, no one would try to trip up Liu Congde.

They couldn't be happier that this silly boy would take responsibility.

It was only because Fan Zhongyan, a newcomer to the court and inexperienced, clung to this issue so stubbornly.

Even if this project were given to Fan Zhongyan, he wouldn't be able to complete it; in fact, it would ruin his own future.

Did Fan Zhongyan not understand such a simple principle?

Qin Ying didn't know what Fan Zhongyan was thinking.

If this matter could truly be accomplished, Prime Minister Lü would have already assigned his trusted confidants to do it.

The success of Yingtian Academy led Qin Ying and others to believe that Fan Zhongyan was not suited for politics, but rather for teaching and educating people.

Perhaps in the future, Yingtian Academy will be able to be successfully elevated to the status of the Imperial Academy.

Ren Fu wasn't the only one who heard this rumor; the people of Tokyo were also spreading various versions of it.

Anyway, I've been enjoying these gossip stories a lot lately.

Zhao Zhen found the idea of ​​coming to the county government office to "go on duty" quite novel.

After all, Zhao Zhen had handled many matters, and he enjoyed the feeling of having them in his hands.

The news that the emperor had not gone to Yuqing Palace but instead went directly to the Kaifeng County government office for sightseeing had already reached Liu E's ears.

Madam Lin launched into a long speech, saying that it was Song Xuan who had corrupted the Emperor.

Instead of following the Empress's instructions to pray for rain obediently, they also told the Taoist priests of Yuqing Palace not to pray for rain.

Liu E certainly knew that this rain-seeking act was fake.

But this is like asking you to find a three-legged toad.

You just need to do it.

As for when we will find you, or when we will punish you.

Isn't it just a matter of a word from someone in higher up?

Empress Liu was somewhat annoyed that Emperor Zhao Zhen was not carrying out her arrangements.

Does he think he's all grown up and doesn't need to follow my orders when he goes to Yuqing Palace?
Madam Lin's instigation of Song Xuan went unnoticed by Liu E.

Empress Liu focused more of her attention on Emperor Zhao Zhen.

Could it be that Song Xuan, a top scholar in the imperial examination, is capable of leading the emperor in a rebellion?

Empress Liu had heard about what Song Xuan had done.

How could Liu E not have guessed Madam Lin's little scheme?
If she could easily fool him, she wouldn't be able to help Emperor Zhenzong with some of his political affairs.

However, since they were all people who served her, Liu E was unwilling to be too harsh on them.

So they just turned a blind eye.

They're all just tools anyway.

They went too far and Liu E sent them to Cao Yong and Wang Zeng to be reprimanded.

Empress Liu was extremely adept at using others to kill people and then winning them over.

"Luo Chongxun, do you think Scholar Song did something wrong?"

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's sudden call to name, Luo Chongxun immediately cupped his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, I do not believe that Scholar Song has done anything wrong."

"Oh?"

Luo Chongxun had a good impression of Song Xuan.

Compared to Cao Liyong, who was used as a weapon by Empress Liu and publicly rebuked Luo Chongxun, Song Xuan, Cao Liyong's son-in-law, did not engage in such behavior.

He not only received Song Xuan's respect on the surface, but also received benefits from Song Xuan when he went to deliver the imperial edict.

Song Xuan's current approach to dealing with eunuchs is that Prime Minister Wang Zeng is there to protect them, so he doesn't need to take the lead himself.

"Song Zhuangyuan has recently done a lot of work for the people of Tokyo. He used prisoners to clean up the ditches, which saved a lot of manpower and resources and made preparations in advance to prevent Tokyo from being flooded."

"Really?" Liu E pretended not to know.
"But I haven't received any memorial from Song Xuan requesting money."

"So that Your Majesty may know, the top scholar Song was collecting the taxes owed from previous years. His swift and decisive actions are truly admirable. It's a pity that Fanlou is making a fortune every day, yet they don't even pay a single penny in taxes. They are really provoking the laws of our Great Song Dynasty."

Luo Chongxun lowered his head and recounted the events in their entirety, which made Madam Lin glance at him slightly.

"You damned eunuch!"

"You're trying to undermine me with your ambiguous and sarcastic remarks!"

Luo Chongxun knew without a doubt that Madam Lin was cursing him in her heart at that moment.

After all, with so many people serving the Empress Dowager, her niche was extremely limited.

Who wouldn't want to be the Empress Dowager's most trusted confidant?
Moreover, in the palace, everyone appears to be on good terms, but once there is no common external enemy, things can change.

They're bound to start fighting amongst themselves.

This is an unavoidable rule-breaking myth.

Because of a trivial matter at Fanlou, Madam Lin and Song Xuan had a conflict of interest and a falling out.

However, none of the other people around Liu E had any conflict of interest with Song Xuan!

On the contrary, he had a conflict with Mrs. Lin over "ecological niche".

Luo Chongxun appeared to be speaking up for Song Xuan, but in reality, he was just refuting Madam Lin's earlier words and attacking her.

"This is happening!"

Liu E raised an eyebrow:
"The people behind Fanlou are really audacious, showing no regard for the laws of our Great Song Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Madam Lin's heart pounded even faster.

Luo Chongxun nodded repeatedly in agreement:
"Yes, it was just a tiny bit of tax money, and Fanlou should have paid it long ago, instead of waiting for Scholar Song to come and demand it."

"Moreover, Scholar Song gave him more than one chance. I don't understand how powerful Fanlou's background is, so why he just won't hand it over?"

"Fortunately, Scholar Song was more good-natured and did not shut down Fanlou directly, but gave it another three days."

Liu E glanced at Luo Chongxun; she didn't think Luo Chongxun and Song Xuan had a good relationship.

According to Cao Liyong, there was an irreconcilable conflict between the two of them.

Although Cao Yong revealed the truth after Song Xuan's guidance when they went to Nanjing together.

But Liu E was unaware of this.

Therefore, Liu E could easily tell that Luo Chongxun was telling the truth.

Madam Lin wished she could tear Luo Chongxun's mouth apart.

Why does he love to gossip so much?

"Ah."

Liu E didn't say anything, but simply said:

"Go and go to the emperor and tell him to keep the matter of praying for rain in mind."

"Yes."

Luo Chongxun responded and immediately went to do his work, not dwelling on what he had just said.

As Madam Lin watched the dead eunuch walk away, she slowly lowered her head.

Liu E stood up, and the people around her fanned her.

"It's getting hotter and hotter; you really start sweating after just a few steps."

“Your Majesty is right.”

Madam Lin followed closely behind.

“That brat Song Xuan even dared to make Chen Yaozuo, the Prefect of Kaifeng, vomit blood in the main hall.”

Looking at the sweltering heat outside, Liu E asked, "Do you think he might shut down Fanlou?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Lin's face turned extremely ugly.

She actually didn't dare to gamble at all.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's reminder, Madam Lin finally realized what was going on.

Song Xuan is a lawless brat; he really would do something like that!

Mrs. Lin nodded repeatedly: "He will."

Liu E didn't say much more: "I'm tired, let's arrange for a bath."

"Yes."

After making the arrangements, Madam Lin took advantage of the break to send someone to tell her husband to deal with the matter quickly.

Then Madam Lin's husband rushed to Fanlou and told Manager Qian to immediately take the money to the Kaifeng County government office to hand it over.

Manager Qian finally breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed that Madam Lin had come to her senses.

So he led his men to the Kaifeng County Government Office, saying that he had come to pay taxes.

Qi Lecheng fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan and led them down the steps.

"Hey, don't try to give me money."

Qi Lecheng sat in his chair, looking down at Manager Qian and preventing him from approaching.
"Manager Qian is a clever man; at this point, it's not about money anymore."

"The master gave your Fanlou a respectable position, but you Fanlou refused to accept it. Now you still want respectable positions? Does your Fanlou have that kind of respectable position?"

Manager Qian had no way to express his bitterness:

"Master Qi, please do me a favor. My Fanlou is willing to pay double the fine. I hope you can put in a good word for us with the sir."

Qi Lecheng, once a nobody in the Kaifeng County government, has now transformed into a figure whose status is almost below that of officials and above that of clerks.

It was all thanks to the promotion by Master Song.

Nowadays, everyone in the county government calls him Master Qi.
"爷" is still the term used to address one's father, while "爷爷" is called "大爹爹".

However, "Master" also became a social title in official circles, used to express respect for people. Zong Ze was thus called Master Zong.

Qi Lecheng frowned as he listened to Manager Qian's words:
"Don't say this or that, it's useless, even if you want to pay taxes."

"Whether it's the high-ranking official or the household staff, they've all finished their shifts. We can discuss anything tomorrow after the high-ranking official comes on duty."

Manager Qian couldn't even get through the door now, so he could only sigh again and go back to report.

He had anticipated this situation.

Unfortunately, Fanlou did not have any say in the matter.

He wanted to pay for it himself, but he couldn't bear Madam Lin's anger.

After all, what they're fighting for isn't just a little money, but a sense of pride.

Manager Qian didn't understand where her anger came from.

She couldn't swallow her anger because Fanlou hadn't paid before, but now that Song Xuan had taken office, they had to pay.

It was clearly a tiny, insignificant gain, but it turned out like this.

After Manager Qian returned home, Madam Lin's husband noticed that Fanlou's business was not doing well.

It used to be packed with guests, but now only a few people are sitting at the tables on the first floor, and the private rooms on the second and third floors are completely empty.

His face immediately fell.

This is all real money.

Furthermore, with officials from the Kaifeng County government standing outside the shop, Lin Kun, despite his frustration, dared not chase them away.

Instead, they have to put on a smiling face, provide them with meals, and try to say as little as possible during mealtimes.

Don't drive everyone away.

When Manager Qian returned, he was slapped across the face by Madam Lin's husband, Lin Kun.

After Lady Lin was given an important position by Empress Liu, she followed Empress Liu's example and had her husband change his surname to Lin, and her son did the same.

"If you can't even handle this small matter, what use are you?"

"There are so few customers now, this is Fanlou!"

Lin Kun's eyes were filled with rage.

The once-famous shop, which used to be the best in the world and made a fortune every day, is now less profitable than a foot-feeding shop outside.

With so much money flowing into other companies, how could he not be furious?

Manager Qian was dumbfounded; he truly hadn't expected that he could be blamed for this.

I remember how I told him not to waste my breath and not to go against Master Song.

But you just won't listen.

Now that something's happened, you're blaming me?

Before Manager Qian could retort, Lin Kun pointed his finger at his nose and said:

"Get out of here! You can't even handle this little thing. You don't deserve to stay in Fanlou."

Manager Qian was stunned by the news.

He had worked at Fanlou for so many years, never expecting to be kicked out.

The yamen runner squatted at the door watching the commotion inside, and immediately found it even more interesting.

I told you all to go against my master, and now you're fighting like dogs!
Manager Qian was still somewhat incredulous: "Is this really true?"

"roll."

Lin Kun unceremoniously ordered his attendant to throw the money directly to Manager Qian.

So, Manager Qian, who was sitting on the ground, looked at Fanlou on the upper floor, gave a bitter smile, narrowed his eyes, stood up and left.

Inside Yuqing Palace.

Luo Chongxun came to find Zhao Zhen and conveyed the Empress Dowager's message.

Zhao Zhen, having spent time with Song Xuan, also developed some skills in dealing with people.

He didn't rush to refute, but instead said:

"I've heard people say that praying for rain requires calculating an auspicious time; otherwise, if the auspicious time hasn't arrived, even if you pray for rain, it will be ineffective and may even anger the immortals."

Luo Chongxun actually believed this explanation, as long as the reason was passable.

Whether he believes it or not is not important; what matters is that it works if the old lady herself believes it.

"What Your Majesty says is absolutely right."

Luo Chongxun smiled and bowed slightly.

"But the Empress Dowager is unaware of this matter and has specially sent me to remind Your Majesty not to forget it."

How could I forget what the Empress Dowager taught me?

Luo Chongxun believed that the official was sincere when he said this.

They never doubted that the officials knew the truth about their origins.

So I don't think about acting.

After all these years, the Emperor has always resolutely obeyed the Empress Dowager's orders.

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Is Your Majesty resting? If not, then I must go and pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"In reply to Your Majesty, no, not at all."

Zhao Zhen immediately stood up: "Then let's go."

Luo Chongxun hurriedly led the way, preparing to set up the emperor's ceremonial guard.

However, Zhao Zhen refused, as he did not want to be too ostentatious. After all, once he left Yuqing Palace, it was only a few steps to enter the imperial city.

He decided to listen to Song Xuan and take the opportunity to wander around more.

Zhao Zhen readily accepts the idea that moving around and sweating can help eliminate toxins from the body.

When Zhao Zhen went to the palace, Empress Dowager Liu had not yet finished bathing.

Zhao Zhen went to greet the young lady first, because in his memory, only the young lady truly loved him.

"Young Lady".

"Oh, it's Zhen'er."

Consort Yang quickly pulled Zhao Zhen aside and asked him all sorts of questions, such as whether he had eaten.

Consort Yang was also an intelligent person, but she had little interest in power.

Moreover, he directly refused any high-ranking positions offered to his nephew, preferring that his nephew simply receive a government salary.

Empress Dowager Yang knew that her nephew was a good-for-nothing, a scoundrel at a young age.

However, he also likes to drink and has a violent temper, so now he has been given Ding Wei's mansion to live in.

She entered the palace of Emperor Zhenzong of Song when she was twelve years old.

Whenever Emperor Zhenzong of Song promoted Empress Liu to a higher rank, Consort Yang would also be promoted at the same time.

She disliked wielding power and was willing to be a concubine, never going against Liu E's wishes, which is why Liu E was able to treat her like a sister.

After Liu E's death, they wanted to arrange for her to continue ruling from behind the curtain, but Consort Yang only agreed to the position of Empress Dowager.

She ordered the removal of the phrase "shared responsibility for military affairs" from Liu E's will, returned power to Emperor Renzong of Song, and served as Empress Dowager for several years before passing away peacefully.

After Liu E gave birth to a child through surrogacy, she was already quite old, and it was Consort Yang who raised Zhao Zhen.

Zhao Zhen also genuinely accepted his adoptive mother.

"Your Highness, please rest assured. I've been eating and sleeping well at Yuqing Palace lately, and I'm also able to cultivate my mind and body. It's been very good."

Hearing Zhao Zhen's words, Consort Yang felt a pang of sympathy for him.

However, now that all the affairs of state are in the hands of the Empress Dowager, she has no idea when Zhao Zhen will be able to rule in his own right.

So all I could do was stroke his head and say:

"Zhen'er is at the age of growth and should not be overworked. Otherwise, he will be like his father and not grow tall. How will he be able to be dignified in the future?"

"Haha, what the young lady says makes sense."

Zhao Zhen then showed off the personal guards he had recently selected, noting that they were all quite tall and had a somewhat human-like appearance.

However, he lacked some of the imposing presence of the twelfth brother.

"Who is Twelfth Brother?"

"Song Xuan."

"Oh, it's the top scholar Song!"

Consort Yang smiled:
“I’ve been listening to people in the palace talk about interesting things outside the palace lately, and I’ve heard quite a bit about the name of the top scholar, Song.”

"Song Zhuangyuan is so young yet he has such skill. Zhen'er has such a strategist. He will surely be able to make the Song Dynasty great in the future."

Hearing Consort Yang's words, Zhao Zhen was genuinely happy.

Consort Yang was able to remain loyal to Empress Liu.

Besides her own beauty and the fact that she was from the same hometown as Liu E, what she possessed most was her extremely high emotional intelligence.

Whether it's for Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Empress Liu, or Emperor Zhao Zhen, it can provide extremely high emotional value.

So much so that everyone liked her.

"Your Highness, you've also heard about Twelfth Brother's matter?"

"Of course." Consort Yang's eyes and brows were filled with a smile.
"I saw him at Jinming Pond during the Dragon Boat Festival. He was quite handsome. If he hadn't been snatched away by Attendant Cao to be his son-in-law, who knows how many young ladies would have liked him."

"Hahaha."

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but burst into laughter, thinking that having many sons had its advantages.

The seven sons of the Cao family vied for Song Xuan among thousands of people, and Song Xuan was directly placed in front of Cao Liyong.

Zhao Zhen then smiled and told Consort Yang about Song Xuan's amusing anecdotes.

Consort Yang looked at her adopted son with a kind expression.

She was certain that Zhao Zhen had made a good friend.

Consort Yang found it hard to imagine that an emperor could have a relationship with "friends".

The late emperor had many friends, but now only Zhang Qi remains.

Zhao Zhen had someone accompany him in his studies from a young age, but it wasn't as enjoyable or interesting as what Song Xuan described.

"According to Zhen'er, Song Zhuangyuan is indeed a man with governing skills. He managed to govern Kaifeng County, a county with a population of 500,000, very well when he first took control of it."

"Your Highness is underestimating the number. In Kaifeng County, even those who are not registered residents, there are probably more than 700,000."

Zhao Zhen only realized after serving as the magistrate of Kaifeng for a day that there were many things to do and many things he had to arrange personally.

Except for a few tricky cases or those that require petitioning to the emperor, which would necessitate the magistrate Song Xuan's intervention, most cases would first pass through the county clerk's hands before being handed over to the magistrate for review.

Not every case requires his personal involvement.

However, Zhao Zhen insisted on doing it himself, standing in the county government office listening to the plaintiffs and defendants' stories.

So it wasn't just Song Xuan who controlled nearly 700,000 people; Emperor Zhao Zhen also controlled just as many people to handle various matters.

Zhao Zhen felt exceptionally fulfilled; having just gained power for the first time, he didn't even want to leave his post.

"Scholar Song is truly capable," Consort Yang praised again.

Zhao Zhen's eyes were also smiling as he spoke of collecting taxes and arranging for the ditch cleaning:
"I never want to be woken up in the middle of the night and then have to go to the main hall to avoid the flood again."

Last year, Kaifeng was flooded, and even the imperial palace was submerged. Where can we seek justice?
Consort Yang also felt this deeply; it was indeed very inconvenient.

"Such foresight from the top scholar of the Song Dynasty is truly a blessing for the Song Dynasty."

Zhao Zhen shook his head:
“I heard people on the road say that this is not the case. The weather is dry now, and many people are saying that there will be no heavy rain this year, so all the work that Twelfth Brother did was in vain.”

"Even if the ditches are cleaned, they will be filled with all sorts of filth after a while."

How could they be so short-sighted?

Consort Yang had just heard rumors that the Yellow River was about to overflow again and flood the capital, Tokyo.

It was precisely because Fan Zhongyan impeached Liu Congde for embezzling funds from the Yellow River project that many people wanted to flee.

Now that there's a severe drought and the floods aren't coming, people are starting to blame Song Xuan for wasting money cleaning up the silt.

They really have no brains.

"Yes."

Zhao Zhen then went on to explain the current difficulties, stating that the taxes collected by Song Xuan alone were insufficient to cope with the various situations that would arise after the flood.

The imperial court also needs to prepare the annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom, a matter that cannot be taken lightly.

"Is Zhen'er short of money?"

Consort Yang quickly replied that she had her own private funds and didn't need them anyway.

Her relatives on her maternal side were all given official positions, and her nephew's family even lived in Ding Wei's mansion, so she didn't have to spend any money.

Therefore, Consort Yang was willing to give Zhao Zhen her private savings.

"No need, Your Highness, I've already thought of a good way to make money."

"What's a good idea?"

Consort Yang became interested and wanted to hear it, because she originally intended to donate the money to build a Taoist temple.

Compared to Liu E's fondness for Buddhism, she preferred the Taoist philosophy of non-action.

"That means collecting money from those temples and Taoist monasteries."

"what?"

Consort Yang knew that many powerful and wealthy people would contribute money to build various temples and Taoist monasteries, which is why the temples and monasteries are now very popular.

"Zhen'er, how can you charge money to monks?"

"Your Highness, why can't this be done!"

Zhao Zhen said decisively:

“I’ve heard of how these monks in Tokyo use the money we offer to Buddha to engage in usury, driving people to their deaths and ruining families. Does this align with the Buddhist ideal of compassion and helping the world?”

"Their ordination certificates were all issued by our Great Song Dynasty."

“Since they want to make a profit from usury, they should pay taxes to the imperial court.”

Consort Yang listened to Zhao Zhen's explanation and realized that it made perfect sense.

It wasn't just temples that engaged in usury; any family with a bit of wealth would open a "loan sharking treasury."

Of course, the laws of the Song Dynasty did not allow officials to engage in usury, but their family members were not officials, so they were able to exploit this loophole.

In particular, the practice of officials borrowing money was something that had to be prohibited during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song.

Consort Yang was accompanying Emperor Zhenzong of Song in reviewing memorials, so she remembered this incident.

But policy is policy, and reality is reality.

Policies cannot eliminate lending among officials.

Because many officials' families are not wealthy, and many ordinary officials cannot support their families on the government's salary without embezzling and accepting bribes.

The treatment of civil officials in the Song Dynasty was good, but you had to wait until you were promoted to a higher rank before you could enjoy the benefits.

Not to mention that many students, before becoming officials, had little stable income and had to borrow money to buy books, study, and take exams.

After they become officials, they repay this part of the loan first, and then it will be easier for them to borrow again later.

However, Consort Yang felt that it would be extremely difficult for the imperial court to collect taxes from these temples and Taoist monasteries.

She spoke these words to Zhao Zhen with some concern, and she didn't believe that Zhao Zhen had come up with the idea.

Zhao Zhen used to be a well-behaved child; he would never have been so reckless.

However, Song Zhuangyuan was rather radical in his actions. Although he cared about the Song Dynasty, he also offended a group of vested interests.

This group of people will also harbor resentment towards Song Xuan behind his back.

Consort Yang expressed her concerns and urged Emperor Zhao Zhen not to proceed in this manner.

If the money is to be used to accommodate disaster victims, then we can use the money she saved.

Emperor Zhao Zhen could not agree to this.

He thought about it and realized that he really couldn't let his twelfth brother take the lead in something that would offend people.

But who can you choose?

Zhao Zhen thought for a long time before speaking:

"I have taken your reminder to heart, Your Highness. I will have someone else bring this up."

Consort Yang looked puzzled: "Who are you looking for?"

"Liu Congde".

Hearing the three words Zhao Zhen uttered, Consort Yang was momentarily dazed.

Will this work?

Would the Empress Dowager agree to this?
With Liu Congde's small frame, can he really shoulder this huge burden?
Zhao Zhen suddenly had a flash of inspiration and immediately thought of him.

Liu Congde embezzled Phoebe zhennan wood from the Dragon Boat Festival murder case. According to a secret investigation by the Imperial City Guard, the wood was sold to the Liao Kingdom.

Even if such a rebellious act were exposed, the Empress Dowager would not punish him.

The case is dragging on, and the golden nanmu wood has still not been returned.

In addition to the Yellow River project, he also gave up 100,000 strings of cash.

Could the imperial court really afford to spend 100,000 strings of cash to repair the Yellow River?

Given all this, he was the perfect person to take the blame for many things.

I'm sure Twelfth Brother would agree.

Zhao Zhen had a smile on his face.

The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, and the Empress Dowager would agree.

Zhao Zhen was even happier because he felt he could use people now; it was truly a double blessing.

He had long disliked Liu Congde.

Even when he was a child, Zhao Zhen was very envious and jealous of Liu Congde for being able to receive more love from the Empress Dowager!
The shadow of his childhood has always lingered over Zhao Zhen.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have prevented Liu Congde's concubine from continuing to live as a widow after Liu Congde's death.

He is determined to win back the "Empress" he once lost!
Zhao Zhen stood up, overjoyed:
"Your Highness, I presume the First Empress has finished preparing? Shall we go together?"

"can."

Consort Yang stood up. She knew Zhao Zhen's choice and was willing to help him.

If the Empress Dowager shows any displeasure, she can help Zhao Zhen bring him back to his senses.

Zhao Zhen helped Consort Yang to Liu E's palace.

The two sisters talked for a long time.

After all, Empress Liu was busy with state affairs; even after court, she was still dealing with them.

Consort Yang was not interested in these matters. She would only visit once every five days and would not bother Empress Liu.

With Consort Yang by her side, Empress Liu could not reprimand Zhao Zhen too much.

At an opportune moment, Zhao Zhen spoke about flood prevention.

Empress Liu had clearly arranged for the emperor to pray for rain, but the emperor said that a flood was coming. Wasn't this openly contradicting her?
Then her tone turned somewhat cold: "How could the Emperor think that way?"

Zhao Zhen directly exposed Liu Congde:
"So that Your Majesty may know, it was Brother Fuben who made the suggestion. He believes that the Yellow River project is indeed not properly repaired and that it will cause flooding. He also spoke with me privately and made a suggestion."

The fact that Liu Congde openly returned 100,000 strings of cash in the main hall last time was something that Liu E really didn't expect. Her family's Pixiu would voluntarily spit out money.

This action can be considered a credit to Liu E.

Therefore, Liu E could not openly bestow any reward upon him.

He secretly rewarded Liu Congde.

Now, hearing Zhao Zhen praising Liu Congde so highly, I wonder if these things really happened.

"What advice?"

Whether it's true or false, Liu E was determined to find out what the official was really up to.

Zhao Zhen then suggested that the court should levy taxes on temples that lend money at exorbitant interest rates in order to make up for the deficit.

The imperial court then had more money to support the disaster victims and help them rebuild their lives.

In Liu E's view, such a outrageous idea was indeed proposed by Liu Congde.

He even had designs on monks, yet he regularly went to worship Buddha.

Is this the principle behind worshipping Buddha?
What is the Emperor thinking?

"Your Majesty, I think Brother Fuben's idea is really good."

"What's so good about it?"

Zhao Zhen explained to Liu E that these temples that lent money at exorbitant interest rates violated Buddhist teachings and even caused people to die.

My brother Fuben was a frequent Buddhist, so he witnessed it firsthand and was extremely indignant about it.

However, this kind of thing cannot be completely eliminated, so the idea of ​​collecting taxes was put forward.

Either lower the interest rates on usurious loans so that more people can afford to repay them and avoid family ruin.

Liu E was very sensitive to the phrase "family ruined and people killed," and she was in the same situation at the time, unable to even borrow money.

They won't lend you money at all, because they're afraid you won't be able to repay it.

“Sister, your nephew does indeed have some ideas.”

Consort Yang smiled and offered a compliment, knowing that praising the Emperor would be of no use.

"You've grown up so much in the blink of an eye, and you've learned to share the burdens of the Empress and the Emperor."

Empress Liu patted Consort Yang's hand, clearly pleased with those two sentences.

At the time, I wanted to warn Liu Congde to go to Song Xuan to suppress the matter and prevent it from escalating further, lest one scandal after another arise in the court, making it impossible to protect him.

When Liu E later heard that Liu Congde had been beaten up by Song Xuan, she didn't get angry. Instead, she obediently sent over the debt.

Liu E was somewhat satisfied with Liu Congde's performance, which showed a good understanding of the bigger picture.

Now that this kid has an idea, he doesn't come to me to discuss it. Does he just want me to see what he's capable of?

"There is a great risk in carrying out this matter rashly."

Liu E did not refuse directly, but instead said:

"A detailed set of rules is still needed."

Seeing that Liu E had relented, Consort Yang quickly gave Zhao Zhen a wink.

Zhao Zhen smiled and thanked the young lady for her help.

He said with great excitement:
"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will definitely discuss this with Brother Fuben many times and try to come up with a suitable plan. Then I will present the specific plan to Your Majesty for your review."

Liu E simply nodded slightly and didn't say anything more.

Zhao Zhen, however, looked excited.

Is this his first successful attempt to "deceive" someone?

Once he gets past the Empress Dowager, it shouldn't be too difficult for him to find Liu Congde and ask him to take charge of the matter.

Zhao Zhen was even more confident, thinking that Liu Congde would simply bow down and pay homage when the time came!

(End of this chapter)