A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 357 Does he also know the method of fasting?
As the saying goes, one monk has water to drink, two monks carry water together, but three monks have no water to drink.

The monks of Tokyo gathered together.

They talked for a whole day and night but couldn't come up with a consensus.

The two factions in the imperial court could attack each other and hinder each other on even the most basic decisions.

Not to mention the monks from the four temples, each representing their own temple's and private interests.

Their group discussions on this matter have vastly different viewpoints, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

Or perhaps it's because the Imperial City Guard confiscated their loan ledgers, and now a large number of Imperial Guards are coming to borrow money.

This matter was only ordered by two Privy Councilors.

Who dares to believe it?

Let alone these monks, even ordinary people know that the Privy Council does not have much power and is always guarded against.

Therefore, they obviously suspected that Empress Dowager Liu was the mastermind behind this.

There are rumors that Liu Congde submitted a memorial concerning the temple.

This matter is certainly not unfounded.

Everyone knows that Liu Congde is a privileged young man.

When did he begin submitting memorials to the emperor to discuss matters of state?

It makes you a laughing stock for no reason.

When it was the Empress Dowager's birthday, he had to find someone to write a congratulatory message for him.

If this is confirmed, and Liu Congde also lends money, then...

The clues presented to the monks became even clearer.

Liu Congde wanted to acquire more "customers" in the high-interest loan business, driven by profit.

Having heard about the evil deeds Liu Congde had committed, everyone knew that the Empress Dowager doted on Liu Congde endlessly and would grant him any request.

But even if these monks figured it out, what good would it do?
With the Empress Dowager's title standing there, who would dare to disobey her?
They hadn't reached a conclusion by dawn.

When they returned, they still saw many Imperial Guards queuing up to borrow money.

Some well-informed individuals also started withdrawing their money.

If this continues, even if the temple has mountains of gold and silver, it won't be able to withstand it.

But no one dared to step forward, waiting for the other temples to give out first.

Therefore, the monks of Kaibao Temple went directly to the Cao residence.

After all, Cao had borrowed a lot of money from their temple.

Now, the Privy Council has issued another order, and they want to speak to Cao Yongli on their behalf.

Even if he refuses to plead for you, then make him pay back the money.

When Cao Xu saw them come to visit, he simply said that his father was currently at his office and had not returned.

We still need to wait.

The people at Kaibao Temple said it wouldn't hurt to wait a little longer.

Cao Xu ordered tea to be served and then called his sixth brother, who was still sleeping, to go to the Privy Council to tell their father about the situation.

Upon hearing that the creditors had come to his door, Cao Yong had an idea. He instructed his son to tell him that he was working at the Privy Council and had to register and compile information on many Imperial Guards soldiers, so he didn't have time to go home for the time being.

He planned to stay at his son-in-law's house for two days and leave the monks at Kaibao Temple to wait.

Don't expect to get any definite information from him.

When Cao finished his shift that evening, he went to Song Xuan's house. He was happy to have dinner at Song Xuan's house because some of the dishes were truly better than those at Fanlou.

However, Cao Yongli was also worried that it would be inconvenient for his daughter and son-in-law to have children, since he was living in their house.

Therefore, I don't want to bother you.

Now that he has escaped his debts, he is even less willing to live in the Privy Council.

When Song Xuan left work early and returned home, he found his father-in-law there as well.

"Father-in-law, what brings you here today?"

"I've come to hide from my debts," Cao said leisurely, reclining on a deck chair. "After all, I can't go home."

"The monks from Kaibao Temple have come to find you?"

Song Xuan casually tossed his official hat onto the clothes rack, loosened his official robes, and placed them aside.
"Don't worry, I've subtly shifted the political winds to the Empress Dowager's side."

"Oh, what do you mean?"

Cao Yong immediately did a sit-up, as he was aware of his son-in-law's cunning ideas.

"Liu Congde submitted a memorial suggesting that we collect usurious loans and commercial taxes from temples first, and then the Emperor discussed it with the Empress Dowager. Now, the two Privy Councilors are, on the surface, the Empress Dowager's people."

"Since this incident occurred, no Empress Dowager has come forward to stop it. What else could it be but tacit approval?"

Song Xuan's words were nine parts true and one part false. It wasn't that he didn't trust his father-in-law, but he simply didn't want to cause trouble for Zhao Zhen.

Moreover, such a statement will eventually be recorded in history, revealing the true nature of the events.

As for the cause and how to get Liu Congde to submit a memorial, it's all unimportant that Zhao Zhen first went to Empress Liu and then got Liu Congde to admit to these things.

"What a clever way to do big things by using someone else's name as a shield."

Cao Liyong stroked his beard and smiled:
"These monks were apprehensive. They wanted to refuse, but they were afraid of offending the matriarch, so they could only put on a brave face."

“My father-in-law is right; they have been paying so much interest.”

Song Xuan also had a smile on his face:
"Now it's time to vent, but most of them will harbor resentment and use various means to try to find out who's behind it all."

"Yes, this has come to my head."

Cao Liyong wanted to burst out laughing at this thought:

"More and more Imperial Guards are borrowing money today. I heard from them that some people went to the Longevity Treasury to withdraw money. There are some clever people among these people in the capital."

Song Xuan nodded; this was exactly what he wanted to see.

In any case, these temples also function as banks, so once a crisis of trust occurs, it becomes very difficult to maintain them, and bank runs become extremely rampant.

Since temples like Daxiangguo Temple dared not refuse to exchange the money, Song Xuan was quite looking forward to Daxiangguo Temple igniting the conflict between these people and the imperial court.

The father-in-law and son-in-law discussed some matters concerning the imperial court, and then went to their respective duties the next day.

However, the monks of Kaibao Temple were not so easy to deal with.

The senior monk Zhichang declared that he would not eat for seven days, only drink some water, and would sit at the entrance of the Cao family's house waiting for Cao Yongli to return.

You're busy with official duties, so I won't bother you.

However, Tokyo was never short of onlookers, so the story quickly spread.

Many people say that Abbot Zhichang has mastered the art of fasting and his cultivation is extremely profound, fearing that he might send the Cao family to the deepest hell.

Instead of going to his father, Cao Xu went to the Kaifeng County Government Office to find his brother-in-law.

"You mean your mother-in-law is afraid that the monk will die at the Cao family's doorstep?"

"Yes, brother-in-law, after all, it was our Cao family that owed the money first."

Cao Xu looked embarrassed: "If word gets out, people will laugh at us."

"If he wants to perform, then let him perform."

Song Xuan poured his brother-in-law a cup of tea: "What are you afraid of?"

"But."

Cao Xu relayed the rumors circulating on the street, which amazed Song Xuan.

Look how good this monk is at creating hype.

It's not enough to just have actions; you also need various shills offstage.

After all, most people today are illiterate, and it's definitely not as easy for them to accept new things as it is for young children.

There's a huge market for supernatural and ghostly things.

Otherwise, Tokyo wouldn't have so many temples, and its incense offerings wouldn't be so abundant.

Because there is huge market demand.

"Alright, we've run into a monk who's good at pretending to be a ghost."

Song Xuan immediately sent someone to summon Ban Feng.

"What are your orders, sir?"

"Arrange for two people to be on duty, making a total of twelve people. We received a report today that a monk is going to perform witchcraft. Send them to supervise him and not allow him to eat or drink. Also, have people take turns watching him tonight."

Ban Feng didn't understand Song Xuan's words at first and asked in return:

"The monk is performing witchcraft, sir. This is probably just a rumor."

"In broad daylight, you can send someone to keep an eye on things and prevent anyone from getting close. Then, when you eat, just eat next to him."

"My lord, I understand. I will make sure they have a midnight snack, and I will make the torches bigger, with some mugwort on them."

After Ban Feng finished speaking, he went to make the arrangements with a smile.

After everyone left, Cao Xun was still somewhat worried: "Brother-in-law, is that all?"

"Don't worry, he won't die. Would he be able to pull off this kind of stunt in Tokyo without some means of self-preservation?"

Song Xuan gestured for him to drink some herbal tea:
"If you're worried, just hire three or five idle men to keep an eye on whether the monks are eating. I guarantee there will be people willing to do that kind of work."

“Twelfth Brother,” Zhao Zhen asked, a question in his eyes, “Why are you so sure he can’t abstain from grains?”

"Bigu is a Taoist practice, how could a monk learn it? Besides, it is said that the famous Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao lived to be a hundred years old by learning bigu, but in my opinion, bigu is just intermittent fasting."

Song Xuan glanced at Zhao Zhen: "Intermittent fasting is actually a way to lose weight. If a person doesn't eat for three days, they will be too hungry to walk."

"But if he doesn't drink water for three days, he's guaranteed to die."

"Perhaps there's some secret inside that gourd."

Song Xuan snapped his fingers:
"When we finish our shift, we'll go to the entrance and observe. We'll go back in three days to see if there's anything different."

"it is good."

Zhao Zhen was quite interested in these novel things, but he also felt that it was impossible for a person to become an immortal.

It's worth noting that even wise emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Tang Taizong sought immortality, yet both died young.

Even those who could gather the strength of the entire nation to cultivate immortality could not succeed, let alone the other cultivators who lacked resources.

This matter spread quickly throughout Tokyo, and the other temples also knew that Kaihoji Temple had taken the lead.

Everyone waited quietly, watching to see how Cao Liyong would respond.

Ban Feng, the county magistrate of Kaifeng, specially sent men with ropes and sticks to help him draw a circle on the ground to imprison himself.

Since Abbot Zhichang wants to perform a unique and secret technique, everyone should stay away and not interfere.

The Kaifeng County government must send people to guard Master Zhichang day and night.

Everyone else felt things were getting more and more lively, but only Abbot Zhichang understood that Song Xuan was using flattery to kill Song Xuan.

So many eyes have been sent to watch me.

With the government getting involved, the number of onlookers naturally increased.

This matter even reached the ears of Empress Liu E in the palace.

She was aware of what Zhao Zhen and Liu Congde were saying.

But now the Privy Council is involved, and even with Zhang Qi and Cao Yong involved, Liu E still feels that Song Xuan is behind this scheme.

"Your Majesty, I heard that it was because Minister Cao borrowed a lot of money from Kaibao Temple at high interest rates to prepare for the wedding of the top scholar Song."

"Now the Imperial Guards are all borrowing money from temples, and there are rumors that they won't pay it back. I'm afraid the people at Kaibao Temple are worried about this, so they came up with this countermeasure."

Empress Liu was well aware of how much money it cost for high-ranking officials in the Song Dynasty to marry off their daughters.

Even if a prime minister marries off three daughters, he will still end up penniless.

"I heard that Scholar Song is quite wealthy, but he didn't even help pay off his debts, which led to his father-in-law being besieged by creditors. How will he ever be able to stand firm in Tokyo again?"

This is what Madam Lin said, and Liu E nodded slightly.

Ren Shouzhong had already told Liu E about her husband being captured by Song Xuan.

While wielding great power, Empress Liu also granted immense authority to the eunuchs around her.

In other words, it's more convenient for Mrs. Lin, as a woman, to speak.

However, these eunuchs were neither male nor female and had no offspring, which made Liu E feel more at ease using them.

Therefore, Liu E understood why Madam Lin would pin the blame on Song Xuan.

"I'm rather curious whether this monk has truly mastered the art of fasting."

Liu E looked curious: "I'm really looking forward to going seven days and seven nights without eating or drinking."

Seeing that Liu E had not been led astray by her, Madam Lin sighed inwardly.

She underestimated Liu E. Liu E was able to help Emperor Zhenzong handle government affairs and eliminate powerful ministers such as Kou Zhun and Ding Wei one after another, showing that she was politically astute.

Politics is never a pure thing. As someone who rose from the bottom, Liu E had an inescapable obsession with many things.

She would never give up the power she held, for fear of becoming that little girl on the street again, waving a rattle drum to attract customers.

Why was Emperor Zhao Zhen's imperial treasury so small?

Besides having a will to protect her, she distributed the money to the imperial guards to win their hearts and minds.

Even if Zhao Zhen wanted to transfer him, he didn't have the opportunity.

Moreover, Emperor Zhao Zhen didn't have the money to reward them!

Since the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, soldiers have mostly relied on rewards. If you don't pay them, they will protest for their pay and find a better boss who will pay them.

This matter can be traced back to the guards of the Tang Dynasty, and has been passed down for many years.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that Kaifeng County has sent people to guard the area and has ordered everyone not to cause a disturbance. I hope that the Venerable Monk Zhichang can demonstrate his skills to everyone."

Ren Shouzhong chuckled and added the latest news.

Madam Lin was actually quite displeased with these androgynous eunuchs, who were far better at flattering and winning over the Empress Dowager than she was.

Moreover, going out to do business always gives one more status than simply being alone.

The Song Dynasty court could not accept the status of a female official.

Therefore, Madam Lin could only have the title of "Madam," which was considered her official title.

"Things are getting interesting."

Liu E did not stop this.

In any case, the general public believes that she instructed the action to be taken.

Even if it's done under the guise of the emperor selecting his personal guards, these imperial guards, along with the emperor's personal guards, will all feel that they were bestowed upon them by the Empress Dowager.

Emperor Zhao Zhen had no chance to win over the people, which was what pleased Empress Liu.

When it comes to winning people's hearts, Zhao Zhen is far from capable; he has little to offer.

"Actually, the main reason for this was that a large number of imperial guards went to the Xiangguo Temple and other places to borrow money. The Xiangguo Temple and other places could not hold on any longer and wanted to take action against Cao Shizhong."

Ren Shouzhong repeated that although Yang Huaimin and Cao Liyong had resolved some conflicts, Cao Liyong had not only reprimanded Liu E's eunuchs alone.

Therefore, although Ren Shouzhong was vying for favor with Lady Lin, he did not forget to put down Cao Liyong.

"So what?"

With Zhang Qi, one of her own, in the Privy Council, Empress Liu was more than happy to have as many Imperial Guards as possible receive such favors.

It's only been three days, how far has it gone?
Others may not know how much money the Great Xiangguo Temple makes, but don't you know it yourself?

These monks were experts at managing money, and the Imperial City Guard seized their loan ledgers.

Liu E believed that these people were guilty and therefore dared not refuse.

Faced with Liu E's question, Ren Shouzhong had nothing to say.

He could tell that the eldest aunt didn't care about this matter at all.

Madam Lin was not in a hurry; she was just waiting for news from the assassins of the Deadly Society.

"Your Majesty."

Ren Shouzhong still had a smile on his face:
"When I left the palace on official business, I heard another rumor, but I don't know whether I should tell it or not."

"You said."

Liu E had multiple sources to verify various reports, thus avoiding being deceived.

"I have heard that the Chen brothers have offered a reward of five hundred taels of gold for the life of the top scholar, Song."

Liu E was also somewhat taken aback by such explosive news.

Her first thought was that it was a rumor.

No matter how much trouble the scholar-official class caused, they would never do such a thing.

Otherwise, everyone will feel insecure, and someone who rises to power will eliminate everyone else, which is something no one wants to see.

Empress Dowager Gao demoted Chancellor Cai Que to Lingnan. Even though Cai Que was a bad person, the old party members who had been his political enemies for half their lives tried their best to save him.

After Empress Dowager Gao insisted on this, Fan Chunren said to his colleagues in despair, "Once this road is opened, you and I will probably have to go to that shrouded land in smoke in the future."

This is indeed the case, which broke the political bottom line and caused the struggle between the old and new parties to completely spiral out of control.

Because every high-ranking official will have to consider this consequence later.

Gao Taotao wouldn't consider how many people this outcome would harm.

In the Song Dynasty, as civil officials, political wins and losses were normal, and there was no need to risk one's life.

No one can win all the time. Even if you win this time, you still have to go next time you lose.

Is Lingnan a well-developed area?

Even in Hunan, many "barbarians" occupied the area and refused to submit to the rule of the Song Dynasty.

It wasn't until Zhang Dun intervened that most of the barbarians officially became subjects of the Song Dynasty.

However, Liu E then remembered the time when Dou Chou humiliated Song Xuan, who was still a student, and he hanged himself.

Dou's son hired an assassin to kill Song Xuan in revenge.

But for some reason, the assassin killed Dou Chou's student, that Prefect Gu, right there in the street.

Madam Lin was somewhat surprised when she heard the news, but the price of five hundred taels of gold made it even more unbelievable.

Because she actually paid five thousand taels of gold.

what is the problem?

"Ignore it; this news is definitely a rumor."

Liu E's words puzzled Madam Lin, and then she heard Ren Shouzhong say:
"Why is Your Majesty so certain?"

"First of all, I know the Chen brothers well; they would never do such a thing."

"Secondly, five hundred taels of gold is not much, and it's not worth them risking killing a Song Dynasty official."

"Perhaps it would be possible if it were five thousand or fifty thousand taels."

"What Your Majesty says is absolutely right." Ren Shouzhong said with a smile.
"I hadn't thought of those two points. I thought it was the murderer in the bathroom who wanted to hire someone to kill him."

Despite the flattery from her subordinates, Liu E was still quite pleased.

After all, what she loves most is being in control of everything, and no one can deceive her.

Ren Shouzhong's flattery really hit the nail on the head. Madam Lin secretly breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Liu E's explanation.

Lin Quan handled things properly, and even knew to spread false information to confuse the public.

"However, the murderer in the bathroom was indeed audacious, and the pressure shouldn't be placed entirely on Song Twelve."

Liu E's fingers curled slightly:
"Let the Ministry of Justice send someone to investigate this matter. After all, the one who died was Wang Shu's son-in-law, Li Yuan, who was also a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). The court should take this seriously."

"Yes, I will arrange it right away."

Ren Shouzhong immediately went to handle this matter.

Empress Liu habitually bypassed the group of prime ministers and directly sent people to handle matters, completely ignoring the so-called procedures.

She only protected her own power; the political procedures established by Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong were irrelevant to her.

Liu E looked at Madam Lin: "You didn't do this, did you?"

"Ah?" Madam Lin was shocked and quickly said:

"Your Majesty, I'm innocent! How could I possibly harm Scholar Song?"

Madam Lin was truly surprised that Liu E would ask such a question, and her face was filled with horror.

Although Liu E was not a "shrewd person," her many years of political life had honed her skills.

None of the eunuchs around him would utter a single nonsense.

They, like myself, climbed their way up from the bottom to where they are today.

Therefore, a cunning eunuch who is not cunning has no right to stand beside her.

Liu E could easily tell that these people had their own purposes in saying these things, and were definitely not just making up idle gossip to make her happy.

In the palace, a cunning eunuch wouldn't survive long.

Lin Rong's reaction only intensified Liu E's suspicions about her.

Because the last thing she arranged was a bathroom murder case, and she also mentioned the names of Wang Shu and Li Yuan.

But Lin Rong's first thought was Song Xuan.

How could Liu E not suspect her?

If asked by others, Madam Lin would certainly not be so flustered.

But she was like a vine clinging to Liu E, capable of both elevating her to great heights and causing her to plummet to the bottom.

Liu E didn't ask any questions, but simply picked up her teacup and took a sip.

Madam Lin immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please understand, I truly did not do such a thing."

"I've heard about Fanlou too."

The eldest lady, holding a teacup in her hand, sat down in a chair:
"You handled this matter incorrectly."

“I was unaware of this matter. I have been by the side of the Empress Dowager day and night. My husband handled everything related to the Fanlou incident. I only found out about it after it happened.”

Madam Lin shifted the blame, since her husband had already been arrested and imprisoned by Song Xuan anyway.

Even if they wanted to get someone out of trouble, couldn't they at least plead with me?
Is there something else you're trying to hide?
Liu E couldn't figure it out for a moment, but she couldn't say it herself, lest someone guess her thoughts and then say the words she wanted to say.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that's right." Madam Lin still didn't dare to look up.

Liu E put down her teacup: "So what are you going to do?"

"I am currently in a state of utter confusion and do not know what to do."

"Don't know what to do?"

Liu E stood up and paced around twice: "Do you need me to help you make a decision?"

"Please, Your Majesty, show me the way." Madam Lin quickly turned around, her face filled with hope.

After Liu E stopped, she turned around and said, "You should stop running Fanlou."

Upon hearing this, Madam Lin's expression changed instantly.

How is this more serious than the sentence handed down by Song Xuan?
"Everyone in the world wants to make money, but for some people, making money becomes the white silk that forces them to hang themselves."

Liu E looked at Lin Rong and sighed, saying, "I don't want you to ruin your reputation in your later years and die young."

Madam Lin suppressed her displeasure:
"It's entirely up to Your Majesty to decide."

"Remember, don't do things you shouldn't do."

Liu E became increasingly convinced that the rumor about assassinating Song Xuan was not without basis.

If Lin Rong really sent someone to do it, she would probably be suspected of being the mastermind.

Liu E didn't want to take the blame, so when she suspected Lin Rong, she had to give her a warning.

Not to mention that Song Xuan and Liu Congde turned hostility into friendship, which made Liu E very satisfied.

Throughout the entire Song Dynasty, everyone knew about their relationship with Liu Congde.

Song Xuan's behavior indicates that he intends to get closer to her, the Empress Dowager.

Empress Liu disliked Fan Zhongyan very much, but she favored him because of his contributions to the construction of the sea dike and the Yingtian Academy, most importantly, his ten-thousand-word memorial.

This brought Fan Zhongyan considerable attention among scholars throughout the land, and he was subtly poised to lead the way for intellectuals.

Not to mention Fan Zhongyan, who was recommended by Yan Shu. Although Fan Zhongyan's current position is low, he can often see the emperor and learn about many important national affairs. He is on the fast track to advancement for the officials of the Song Dynasty.

Wang Zeng also greatly admired him, but Fan Zhongyan was too stubborn, and Liu E looked down on him.

She always believed that someone like Fan Zhongyan, who completely supported the emperor, would cause himself a lot of trouble in the court.

The Yellow River was a matter that Fan Zhongyan never let go of.

If Song Xuan were to side with him, given Song Xuan's value and abilities, he would definitely be able to go toe-to-toe with Fan Zhongyan, and might even leave Fan Zhongyan speechless.

This is Song Xuan's "united front value" in Liu E's eyes.

Since Song Xuan was so cooperative in playing along with Liu Congde, Liu E naturally protected him out of consideration for her own interests.

Therefore, it is absolutely unacceptable for someone like Lin Rong to arbitrarily go against one's wishes.

"Yes."

Madam Lin realized that she had just been exposed because one wrong step led to another, which resulted in this punishment.

Regarding the Fanlou incident, Song Xuan took away all the account books.

It's likely that Liu Congde and Zhang Qi already knew the truth.

Mrs. Lin had been waiting for the two of them to come to her so that she would be willing to compromise.

But now that no one has come, Madam Lin is filled with a sense of hope.

Liu E's reprimand made Madam Lin understand that some things didn't need to be done by others; the Empress Dowager would already know.

In addition, Liu Congde beat up her husband Lin Kun first, and Song Xuan followed suit and arrested Lin Kun and put him in jail.

Now that the Empress Dowager has said this, Madam Lin is now certain that Song Xuan and Liu Congde have colluded.

Previously, the Empress Dowager had sent someone to deliver a message to Liu Congde, forcing him to apologize to Song Xuan and hand over the money.

Madam Lin originally thought Liu Congde would hate Song Xuan to death, but she never expected that with the Empress Dowager around, the two of them would actually cooperate.

Now that she was an outsider, Madam Lin suddenly felt like she had been tricked.

"I'm stupid, really."

"Granny's intentions were such that she had already taken Song Xuan in long ago. But I thought that Song Xuan was appointed by the Emperor and must be one of the Emperor's men."

"What power does the emperor have now?"

"Song Xuan is such a smart person, how could he not know how to choose!"

Even if Madam Lin regretted it, it was too late.

Now she can only hope that the No Fate Society won't make a move.

Otherwise, I would truly have no chance to regain control of Fanlou.

After reprimanding her subordinates, Liu E stood at the entrance of the main hall, feeling the scorching heat outside.

She genuinely hoped for a drought this year, so that Tokyo wouldn't be flooded again.

……

The weather is still quite hot.

Even though Song Xuan held up an umbrella to shield himself from the sun, it was still to no avail.

He was being guarded, watching the old monk on one side of the door.

The monk was dressed in ordinary monk's clothes, with Buddhist prayer beads around his neck and Buddhist prayer beads in his hands.

Song Xuan guessed that these were the only two things he needed for food and drink.

"Twelfth Brother, what do you think this person relies on to scam people?"

Zhao Zhen didn't notice because the monk's attire was too monk-like.

"It cannot be said," Song Xuan said, holding up his umbrella.

"Sixth Brother, there are too many people and too many eyes here. Let me take you to Yuqing Palace and we can talk about it then."

Song Xuan told the yamen runners to wait there for their shift change, and that the Cao family would provide them with food and water.

Then he led Zhao Zhen and several attendants into the Cao residence.

Song Xuan exchanged a few pleasantries with his mother-in-law and the others, telling them to wait three days until things escalated before he would intervene.

Cao Lishi believed her son-in-law's words without a doubt.

She was actually worried that her husband was too concerned about saving face.

But with Song Xuan's explanation, they were relieved, knowing it would only be three days anyway.

She also didn't believe that those high monks could go seven days without eating and then be perfectly fine.

However, many people outside believe it and are willing to watch the spectacle.

Song Xuan led Zhao Zhen through the back door on their way back to Yuqing Palace.

"Sixth Brother, that monk either steals food hidden in his clothes or eats his own bracelet and prayer beads."

"Can those things be eaten?"

Zhao Zhen expressed his confusion.

He had heard of people eating tree bark in history, but those prayer beads weren't made of tree bark!
"I reckon they're made with some kind of elixir or something similar, they look like prayer beads, but they're not."

"I see." Zhao Zhen's doubts were resolved.

"Twelfth Brother, why did you wait for him for three days?"

"We'll have to wait until he eats something."

Song Xuan, holding an umbrella, glanced sideways at Zhao Zhen:
"Only in this way can we have more room to maneuver. The bigger the commotion, the better for us."

Despite Empress Liu's poor treatment of Emperor Zhao Zhen, she still provided him with political education and had a group of teachers.

"Twelfth brother, I don't understand."

Zhao Zhen looked puzzled.

"The government is clearly afraid of things escalating, so they want to eliminate everything in the blink of an eye. How can we let them make things worse?"

"That's what we usually say." Song Xuan slowed his pace.
"Sixth Brother, but that's relative. From a Buddhist perspective, which is stronger, the one that is Buddhist or the Kaifeng County Government?"

"Of course Buddhism is stronger. Not only is our Great Song Dynasty prosperous in all aspects, but the Khitan are also prosperous. It seems that the two countries are even comparing with each other, and each has sent monks to debate."

"Since they are so powerful, we should make a bigger scene. As the saying goes, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
“Monks rebelling, especially wealthy monks, they don’t have the guts. Years of excessive indulgence have long since exhausted their ‘heroic spirit’.”

Heroic spirit?
Zhao Zhen didn't think a group of monks were worthy of these three words; the twelfth brother was overestimating them.

Song Xuan didn't say much. In fact, wasn't the Song emperor's "releasing military power over a cup of wine" also a way of exhausting the heroic spirit of his subordinates?

They all use the same formula.

After the two parted ways, Song Xuan went to the Privy Council to watch the Imperial Guards register, collect their money, and leave.

"Father-in-law, let's go home."

Cao was torn between taking up the mantle or continuing to cower and hide from his creditors at his son-in-law's house.

Zhang Qi pulled Cao Liyong directly and said, "Let's go. That's it for today's shift. Anyway, we don't have anything important to decide."

As civil officials, Xia Song and Yan Shu were still able to keep the two men in check.

They had obviously heard some rumors, but since it was a family matter, they didn't say anything.

Yan Shu believed that with Song Xuan's money-making skills, he would be able to easily help Cao Yong pay off his debts.

But looking at the lively scene outside, he was certain that Song Xuan had no such intention.

Furthermore, they would encourage their father-in-law not to repay the money.

Yan Shu also loathed usury, but it was never his business, so he didn't want to get involved.

But Song Xuan is different. This kid is truly skilled and daring, and he'll do things head-on.

Especially this kind of act of cutting flesh off someone else's body, it's likely to provoke retaliation.

Yan Shu wanted to give him a heads-up, but he found that Song Xuan was enjoying himself.

Moreover, they really enjoy "fighting" with others.

Even Yan Shu couldn't understand why Song Xuan was so belligerent!

The most important thing is to distance yourself from this matter.

Yan Shu had limited access to information, so he was naturally unaware that Song Xuan had already distanced himself from the situation.

Intervening now would only result in the father-in-law being "humiliated".

Even though the due date for repayment had not yet arrived, they came to our door demanding payment.

How can a son-in-law remain uninvolved?
Song Xuan was renting a room at Zhang Qi's house, so the three of them were all going the same way.

Zhang Qi was bored and knew a lot about what was happening on the street.

“Nephew, you must be careful these days. I’ve heard rumors on the street that the Chen brothers have offered five hundred taels of gold to assassinate you.”

"what?"

Song Xuan was completely stunned.

"He dares!" Cao Liyong immediately flew into a rage:
“Let’s go to Chen Yaozuo’s house and beat him up again so he can’t get out of bed.”

"and many more."

Zhang Qi quickly tried to pull Cao Liyong back, but he couldn't hold him off, so he asked someone for help.

"It's just a rumor."

"Rumors are not allowed either." Cao Liyong broke free.

“Father-in-law, don’t worry. Even if such a thing were to happen, it wouldn’t have been done by the Chen brothers.”

Why are you so sure?

"There is always a bottom line when civil officials fight each other."

Song Xuan explained calmly:

"Chen Yaozuo isn't that brainless. Besides, killing an official for five hundred taels of gold? Does he really think the assassin is brainless?"

After hearing Song Xuan's explanation, Cao Liyong nodded:

"But there's no smoke without fire. Someone must be trying to do this, which is why they've spread this rumor to confuse the public. You must be careful."

“Those scum in Wuyou Cave would kill for a single string of cash, let alone five hundred taels, which would be enough to tempt many people.”

"We definitely need to take some precautions." Song Xuan nodded repeatedly.
"The main problem is that I couldn't guess who it could be besides the Chen brothers. Could it be that stupid woman?"

"Which stupid woman?"

Song Xuan was about to expose Empress Guo, but he swallowed the words back.

He didn't think it was that idiot Empress Guo who did it.

Even if she wanted to do something, she would have to entrust such a confidential matter to the Guo family.

The person in charge of the Guo family has personally been in contact with them and believes that this is definitely not a mindless act.

Besides, my father-in-law is right. If there's such news, there must be some truth to it.

Perhaps the hitman deliberately didn't want to take the job, which is why he leaked the news.

Otherwise, how could such a confidential matter be publicized so widely that so many people know about it?

“Mrs. Lin,” Song Xuan blurted out.

"Madam Lin?" Zhang Qi's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is it because of the Fanlou incident?"

"That's how it should be."

Song Xuan was still holding an umbrella:
"I originally thought she was by the Empress's side because she was clever and quick-witted and was favored by the Empress. I never expected that she would do such brainless things time and time again."

"This makes me wonder if she stayed by the Empress's side because she was obedient, or because of her abilities?"

"It's because I once helped the Empress Dowager."

Zhang Qi gave the answer without hesitation.

He knew that the old lady was grateful and that those who had helped her had now received a hundredfold return.

"Then I understand."

Before Song Xuan could finish speaking, Cao Liyong burst into a tirade of curses:

“That bitch even tried to send someone to assassinate my son-in-law. I’ll go to the palace right now and chop her up alive.”

Otherwise, how could Cao Liyong have been manipulated by Liu E?

"Hey, hey, it's not too late to kill her after she leaves the palace."

Song Xuan quickly grabbed his father-in-law: "You can't even bring a knife into the palace right now, how are you going to chop her up alive?"

"Besides, there was no evidence, yet you rashly killed someone close to the Empress."

"It's easy for people to misunderstand."

Cao Yongli was persuaded by Song Xuan, and then shook his head and said:
“I really can’t swallow this. She’s already hired someone to assassinate you. How can I let her act so recklessly? I have to show her what I’m capable of.”

"Wait until I catch the murderer." Song Xuan released his grip.
"In these kinds of cases, we need to be sure of the evidence and try to strike decisively, otherwise the consequences will be endless."

Zhang Qi agreed with Song Xuan's words.

In particular, Cao's impulsiveness at this moment may cause the eldest daughter-in-law to have a rebellious mentality. Originally, it was Madam Lin's fault, but she suddenly wanted to protect that person surnamed Lin.

If the court officials treat the people around her so casually, the eunuchs will be even more insecure, and who will dare to work for the Empress Dowager?
Therefore, in order to protect the interests of the Empress Dowager, she will inevitably deal with Cao Yong severely in order to stabilize people's hearts and make them her servants.

Cao Yong didn't say much, but instead pondered in his heart how to bring Madam Lin down.

Especially if she is not allowed to serve the Empress Dowager, then there will be no scruples when dealing with her.

Even though Song Xuan had no evidence, he felt that she was the most suspicious person who could have done such a despicable thing.

This kind of woman doesn't understand the workings of the imperial court at all. She treats everything like a palace intrigue, thinking, "I can only deal with you, and you can only follow the rules; you can't resist."

Zhang Qi also didn't want to associate with a fool like Madam Lin, but he still said:
"It's not convenient for you two, father-in-law and son-in-law, to get information out of her. I'll find an opportunity to ask her and then I'll be able to make a better judgment."

"Alright." Song Xuan smiled. "Then thank you very much, Uncle Zhang."

(End of this chapter)