A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 366 Song Xuan is made to take the blame

"Of course, why not?"

Xiaofeng asked a righteous and stern question.

This is the kind of thing that Wuyou Cave should be doing.

Based on past experience, whenever a child goes missing in Tokyo...

Instead of immediately reporting the case, they tried every means to use their connections to inquire with the people of Wuyou Cave.

If the money can be paid quickly, you'll have the money before the child is sold.

Perhaps we can find it again.

Consider it a loss to avert disaster.

If the money offered is too little, or if you are unwilling to spend it, the chances of finding your child are extremely slim.

This Lady Lin, having spent so long in the palace, is unaware of the unspoken rules of the common people.

That's why we've ended up in this miserable situation.

Cang Lin coughed.

He hasn't personally carried out such unethical things in a long time; he usually just orders others to do them.

"So how much are you planning to ask for, and can she afford it?"

"Ten thousand taels of gold to buy her son's life, that shouldn't be a bad deal!"

Xiaofeng also coughed:
"Brother, after all, he is her only son. Especially since the Lin family is not short of money, if we ask for too little, I'm afraid she won't take advantage of us."

"Ten thousand taels of gold is nothing but a drop in the ocean for the Lin family, but for us, that's a fortune."

"Ten thousand taels of gold."

Cang Lin stroked his beard and thought for a while: "That's suitable. Let's squeeze her out of her and teach this stupid woman a lesson."

“Yes, anyway, everyone outside thinks it was done by people from Wuyou Cave, so if we send a message asking for money, the Lin family will believe us.”

Xiaofeng felt that since the leader of the No Life Society, No Hairy Tiger, came to Wuyou Cave, he wanted to shift the blame onto Wuyou Cave.

Why not just turn the tables on them? After all, the imperial court has been unable to eradicate Wuyou Cave for so many years.

Worry-Free Cave is a scapegoat; many people, after committing murder, will also blame the murderer on Worry-Free Cave.

Ten thousand taels of gold was equivalent to 100,000 strings of cash that Liu Congde had vomited out, which was a huge fortune for many people in Tokyo.

It's enough to support the annual salaries of more than 300 prime ministers.

In the Song Dynasty, it was more than enough to undertake a medium-sized project, and could even support the military expenses of a medium-sized war for a month.

It was used to redeem one person.

In Tokyo, an average person could earn thirty coins a day, which was considered a normal job.

The wealth gap was becoming increasingly apparent in the Song Dynasty.

So when Mrs. Lin received the extortion letter, her eyes flashed with intense anger.

First, he spent five thousand taels of gold to hire someone to assassinate Song Xuan. Then, after being warned by the Empress Dowager, he spent another thousand taels of gold to shut them up.

Fortunately, the Empress Dowager was very considerate and helped him deal with the tail, ordering his soldiers to raid the lair of the No-Life Society.

The only person who knew the truth, Lin Quan, also died in the turmoil, so no one will know about this matter anymore.

Madam Lin certainly didn't think that Song Xuan was involved in this scheme.

Subconsciously, she still felt she could keep it a secret, and that Song Xuan wouldn't discover her little scheme.

It was all thanks to the Empress Dowager's secret care that I hadn't lost her favor.

However, they lost control of Fanlou, which is a real blow.

Fanlou is not only making a fortune on the surface, but also extremely profitable through its shady smuggling and other illegal activities.

"Ten thousand taels of gold, Worry-Free Cave."

"It really was them!"

Madam Lin crumpled the extortion letter in her hand, then summoned the new housekeeper:

"Tell Song Xuan to destroy the Worry-Free Cave."

"Yes."

The new butler hurriedly took the letter and left, but he himself was also feeling uneasy.

Wuyou Cave existed before the establishment of the Song Dynasty. It is said that when Emperor Taizu of Zhou, Guo Wei, led his troops to plunder Kaifeng Prefecture, many people went there to hide.

The three emperors of the Song Dynasty, Taizu, Taizong, and Zhenzong, did attempt to suppress these rebellions, but each attempt ended with a partial "victory."

Inside the Kaifeng County Government Office.

Song Xuan wrote a memorial to the throne.

The first task was to take stock of the population of Kaifeng County, verify the property ownership, compile a household register, levy taxes according to the register, and investigate tax evasion by wealthy households.

This increased national treasury revenue and reduced the burden on the poor.

The second point is that Kaifeng Prefecture should take precautions against sudden heavy rains and flooding.

Thirdly, he planned to quickly build the four rivers of Meng, Baigou, Gui, and Dao to dredge the accumulated water in the capital region, develop water conservancy projects, protect farmland, and prevent disasters.

Anyway, he has money now. Spending it will not only provide jobs for these hooligans and idlers in Tokyo, but also further stimulate consumption and maintain public order.

As public order in Songcheng gradually improved, many ruffians and idlers found work and no longer had to spend their days squatting on the streets extorting money.

Although it's difficult to replicate in Tokyo, I am now the magistrate of Kaifeng County.

Even if these people went to neighboring Xiangfu County to cause trouble, as long as they didn't cause trouble in his own jurisdiction, Song Xuan felt that his goal had been achieved.

The phrase "to be a dam with one's neighbor" is almost applicable here as well.

After all, it was the Prime Minister of Wei who managed to divert floodwaters to neighboring states, which prompted Mencius's criticism.

After reading Song Xuan's memorial, Zhao Zhen had no objections.

"Twelfth Brother, do you really think there will be another torrential rain this year, and the Yellow River will overflow?"

"Even if it doesn't rain, I can still do it while I'm at it, as long as my house doesn't get flooded."

Song Xuan pointed to the outside environment:

"Don't even think about making me wade through such filthy water to get on duty."

Even if Zhao Zhen were flooded, tall soldiers would carry him to higher ground to avoid the water.

But it's quite different for ordinary people.

A significant number of people died in the floods.

Zhao Zhen also saw Song Xuan putting the soil from digging the money cellar into bags and piling it up in the backyard and other places.

It's convenient to block the entrance in case of flooding.

The ditches surrounding the county government office were especially dredged and cleared.

Can you believe that when Zhao Zhen was "practicing martial arts" with Guo En and others, he saw someone piling up bamboo rafts at the back?
"It's better to be a little dry than to have floods."

Zhao Zhen felt the temperature outside:
"In this way, it is also possible to draw water from the Bian River to irrigate the farmland outside the city."

"I heard from someone that in some areas of the Yellow River, the water level has risen more than ten feet above the ground, and the entire area is being held back by dikes. If the dikes are breached, the area around the capital will also be flooded."

Song Xuan didn't say much, but called Qi Lecheng over and asked him to deliver his memorial to the gate of the imperial city before he prepared to leave work.

If any unexpected events occur, his subordinates will handle them.

Just as Song Xuan was about to leave, Qi Lecheng returned, saying that Madam Lin's new housekeeper had arrived.

Song Xuan raised an eyebrow. With nothing else to do, he decided to see how much trouble Madam Lin could cause.

"Master Song".

The new butler bowed very politely and placed the extortion letter on the table for him to look at.

Song Xuan picked it up and examined it closely. It was the story of how Wuyou Cave had kidnapped her son and demanded that she prepare 10,000 taels of gold within three days, and forbade her to report it to the authorities.

"So that you may know, my master has asked you to wipe out the Worry-Free Cave and rescue my young master."

Before he had finished reading the letter, Song Xuan looked up and glanced at him upon hearing this:
"How did you come?"

"I came in a donkey cart from the Lin family."

"The donkey cart is parked outside the county government office?"

"Yes." The butler didn't understand why he was being asked that.

Song Xuan threw the letter directly on the table:
"idiot!"

Steward Lin was taken aback. Even if Song Xuan was an official, he himself was a newly promoted official by Madam Lin. Even a seventh-rank official was only a minor official in front of the prime minister.

Moreover, their master works for the Empress Dowager, so his status must be higher than that of the Prime Minister.

"My lord, what makes you say such a thing?"

Song Xuan snorted, too lazy to pay him any attention:
"Old Qi, get this idiot out of here."

"Yes."

Butler Lin was reluctant to leave and was about to shout when Qi Lecheng slapped him back.

What is this place?
Who is sitting opposite me?

You dare to roar like that!
really.

Slap down.

This directly dampened his arrogance after he was promoted to the position of Lin family steward.

He was still in a daze as Qi Lecheng dragged him out of the room.

At this moment, Zhao Zhen also quickly finished reading the letter.

"Twelfth Brother, has Ma Liu colluded with Wuyou Cave again?"

"Hard to say."

Song Xuan tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "But I'm more inclined to believe that someone is trying to take advantage of the situation."

"Trying to profit from troubled waters?"

Zhao Zhen may not have understood how attractive it was to be an official in the Song Dynasty.

Countless scholars went crazy for it, and others tried every means to get into officialdom.

"Ah."

Song Xuan responded:
"Perhaps this letter was sent by the people of Wuyou Cave, but they don't have any real hostages. They just want to try their luck with Madam Lin's stupid mind."

Zhao Zhen suddenly realized:

"So, the reason why Twelfth Brother drove him away was because the people from Wuyou Cave must be watching the Lin family, betting on whether she would dare to report to the authorities?"

"good."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"Even I, an outsider, know that if a child goes missing in Tokyo, one must use connections to inquire at Wuyou Cave as soon as possible."

“If Ma Liu hadn’t come to me out of desperation, I really wouldn’t have been able to tell whether Lin Zhongrong had been kidnapped by the people of Wuyou Cave.”

"Generally speaking, Wuyou Cave rarely kidnaps adult men and women."

Zhao Zhen was certainly aware of the kidnapping of children at Wuyou Cave.

Although there is no chance to completely destroy Wuyou Cave at present, he does not want such a force that threatens the lives of ordinary people and children to exist in the important capital.

"Does Twelfth Brother kicking him out mean he's sending a signal to the outside world that he doesn't believe him?"

"Correct."

Song Xuan snapped his fingers and stood up:

"I just don't know if that stupid Mrs. Lin can understand what I mean. If she has too much money to burn, she can go and give money to bad people."

"Even if I really go to great lengths to rescue Lin Zhongrong, the Lin family will definitely resent me. If I don't rescue him, there's still the Worry-Free Cave to help me attract hatred."

"Sixth Brother, it's hot, I'm going home to be with my wife. Are you going to continue working here, or go back?"

Zhao Zhen didn't feel tired: "Then I will continue to help Twelfth Brother with government affairs here. Twelfth Brother, you can go and rest."

"it is good."

Song Xuan didn't try to persuade him further. At least within his own little world, Zhao Zhen was still able to release his pent-up desire to rule.

With such positive feedback, how could Zhao Zhen not be happy?
It's much better than going back to the palace where I can't handle anything; it makes me feel much better.

Zhao Zhen took the booklet written by Song Xuan, which outlined how to save oneself in the event of a flood and what the county government should do, and began to read it carefully.

He compared the accounts and found that Song Xuan had already purchased old and new rice in advance to stockpile, saying it was for the Empress Dowager's birthday and as welfare for the county government on New Year's Day.

But if a disaster strikes, how could he not take out all that rice and use it?

Zhao Zhen stared in the direction Song Xuan had left, speechless for a moment.

Even if the Astronomical Bureau's skill in observing celestial phenomena was not as accurate as that of the fortune tellers near the Great Xiangguo Temple, the people of the Hanlin Academy of Astronomy would not make the same predictions as the Astronomical Bureau!

These two organizations were used by Emperor Taizong to check and balance each other, and it was absolutely impossible for them to "collude with each other"!
"To go along with the corrupt practices?"

A thought suddenly popped into Zhao Zhen's mind.

"What if!"

His brows furrowed deeply, after all, the Song Dynasty was no longer under his control as emperor.

Moreover, I am still "young"!
Therefore, it is quite normal for the officials below to say nice things and collude with each other.

Zhao Zhen then looked up and called out, "Yang Shouzhen."

Yang Shouzhen entered from outside and bowed, saying, "Your subject is here."

He was an elder of the emperor, a eunuch who had systematically studied military strategy and was skilled in warfare. He was extremely good at riding and archery and had been serving as an official outside the capital until recently when he was transferred back.

Now that Yang Shouzhen is getting old, he should be enjoying his retirement. Upon learning that Zhao Zhen has gone out, he insisted on staying by his side.

After being told off by Song Xuan, Zhao Zhen also wanted to learn how to fight, but following a general was somewhat inappropriate.

Therefore, with an old eunuch by his side who had fought against the Khitans, was knowledgeable in military strategy, skilled in riding and archery, and had even captured thieves alive, Zhao Zhen could ask him any questions.

"Envoy Yang, send someone out to inquire whether there is anyone who can predict the celestial phenomena. In such hot weather, will it rain heavily and cause floods?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Shouzhen readily agreed and summoned his adopted son to handle the matter.

After all, he is getting old, and if he wants to continue his family line, it is perfectly normal for him to raise an "adopted son".

Many eunuchs would adopt sons, and often more than one, but only a few eunuchs, like Lan Yuanzhen, who served Empress Liu, had perfectly normal adopted sons.

Yang Shouzhen had heard of Song Xuan's reputation before, but he never expected that the top scholar Song would leave all the government affairs to the officials and go home to enjoy a life of leisure.

Isn't this blatant humiliation of the government?

"Your Majesty, this old minister has something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

“Speak.” Zhao Zhen rarely refused anyone.

"Song Zhuangyuan dumped all official duties on the emperor, yet he was so derelict in his duties and insulted the emperor. No matter how great his reputation, this old minister cannot stand it."

"Then Yang Yuanshi can stay at Yuqing Palace next time. I won't bring you with me."

"this."

Yang Shouzhen blinked, unable to understand the reasoning behind it.

Zhao Zhen buried himself in the government's regulations for helping the people:

“I won’t be able to practice governing myself if I go back, so I might as well practice handling government affairs here with my twelfth brother.”

"If I can handle the affairs of a single county well, how can I not be adept at managing the affairs of the Song Dynasty in the future?"

"My twelfth brother is a remarkable person of our time. He is unwilling to expose my thoughts, but instead finds excuses for his own laziness."

"Don't tell anyone about this."

Yang Shouzhen immediately bowed, indicating that she understood.

He really hadn't expected this.

It turns out that the officials were not forced to accept the assignment, but rather actively sought it out!

After kicking Steward Lin out of the county government office, Qi Lecheng rode his donkey straight to the capital to deliver the memorial.

Immediately afterwards, Song Xuan also rode away on horseback, accompanied by his entourage and constables.

The spies from Wuyou Cave split into two groups: one kept an eye on Steward Lin, while the other followed and kept an eye on Song Xuan.

Lin, the steward, returned home in a fit of rage, and Song Xuan also went back to his own home to rest. The many yamen runners dispersed.

After returning home, Butler Lin embellished the story and told it to Madam Lin.

Madam Lin was furious; if her foot hadn't been swollen, nothing in the house would have been intact.

After venting her anger, Madam Lin didn't know how to discuss the matter with anyone.

Then she remembered her incompetent husband.

"Go, bring Lin Kun home!"

After Madam Lin gave the order, the group of people went directly there.

When they arrived at the ditch, they found Lin Kun still struggling to clear the silt.

“Master, the madam has asked us to bring you home. The young master has been kidnapped by the people of Wuyou Cave.”

"what?"

Lin Kun quickly climbed out of the ditch: "When is it due?"

"It's been several days."

"It's been several days, why are you only telling me now? Where is Lin Quan?"

Lin Kun was furious that his trusted confidant had been replaced, but he dared not vent his anger.

"Sir, Madam requests your return."

"Can I go back?"

Lin Kun dared not offend this local tyrant.

They told me to go back before the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is already a great favor.

If you dare to leave early, everyone around you will be eyeing you covetously, waiting to collect your reward.

Even so, some hooligans were already watching the show, waiting for everyone to run away with Lin Kun so they could chase after them and collect their reward money.

What a great opportunity to make a fortune!

Zhao Jin spat and gestured to the people around him to get to work.

Don't keep staring at people. What if you scare the guy surnamed Lin and he doesn't run away?
"But the madam has spoken. If the master does not return, I'm afraid..."

No matter how fierce the tigress in the house is, she can't outdo Song Xuan, this local tyrant.

"I have been sentenced by the top scholar Song. If I behave well, I may be able to go home before the Mid-Autumn Festival. But if I dare to escape home on my own, let alone the Mid-Autumn Festival, it will be difficult for me to even stay in this city of Tokyo."

"But what about the master?"

"Nothing but."

Lin Rong only had one son, but Lin Kun was not Lin Zhongrong's only son.

His biological son doesn't even have the surname Lin!

Instead, he took his original surname.

Lady Lin had been accompanying Empress Liu in the palace for so many years, working day and night, and she did not allow Lin Kun to take a concubine.

But he also had needs, so naturally he kept a mistress outside.

Lin Kun's family was originally merchants in Kaifeng Prefecture, and they had some influence.

After he changed his surname, they removed him directly from the family genealogy.

Although he wasn't expelled from the family, once Madam Lin loses her power, Lin Kun will inevitably be kicked out of the family.

Seeing that Lin Kun was about to jump down to continue working, Butler Lin waved his hand and ordered his men to carry Lin Kun back.

Lin Kun yelled, "Let me go!"

A constant struggle.

He didn't want to go back, and what good would it do anyway?

She's just Lin Rong's punching bag!

Lin Kun has known her well over the years.

The prisoners in the ditch chuckled and began counting their steps.

Zhao Jin jumped out of the ditch and told his men to come up. He also told the guards not to interfere.

Once my team brings Lin Kun back, I'll definitely treat everyone to Snowflake wine.

The constables chuckled; what a great opportunity for an extra meal!
Lin Kun's face was ashen, and he writhed like a maggot, but the Lin family members held him tightly. "Save me! I don't want to leave!"

"Save me, Zhao Dalang! If you save me, I'm willing to give you one hundred strings of cash. I will definitely pay you after it's done."

"Thirty steps."

Zhao Jin smiled; he couldn't let anyone else steal the credit.

"One thousand strings of cash!"

Lin Kun continued to desperately raise the price, but no one paid him any attention.

Compared to his offer, the official's price is more suitable.

Whether or not the 1,000 strings of cash can be redeemed is not up to Lin Kun; it's the women in his family who make the decisions.

"Forty-five steps."

Zhao Jin had already bent over, ready to give chase.

"forty nine."

Now more and more people started counting aloud.

"Fifty steps."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhao Jin strode after him.

When Lin Kun heard the shout of "Fifty Steps" from not far away, tears welled up in his eyes.

The scorching sun beat down on him.

Lin Kun shouted to the sky:
"No!"

But he didn't have to wait long for the echo to fade. Zhao Jin immediately knocked all the Lin family servants who had forcibly taken him to the ground, drawing cheers from everyone around.

Zhao Jin helped Lin Kun up from the ground and said with a grin:
"Thank you very much for the thousand strings of cash reward from Master Lin."

Lin Kun couldn't catch his breath, but he had no choice but to accept this reality.

He was unwilling to offend a prison leader for such a small amount of money.

Otherwise, I could torture myself in various ways during this period.

He couldn't help but ask immediately:

"Zhao Dalang, can I faint?"

"Of course, I'd carry Master Lin back for a thousand strings of cash."

"Especially now that you're everyone's savior in improving our meals, we have to serve you obediently."

After receiving a satisfactory answer, Lin Kun closed his eyes and collapsed to the ground.

He knew that Lin didn't care about him at all.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have known his verdict and would have done such a despicable thing.

She simply didn't want to stay in Tokyo any longer.

If it weren't for the fact that the eldest aunt treated her ex-husband extremely well, Lin Kun believed that Lin Rong wouldn't have pretended not to divorce him.

Zhao Jin burst into laughter:
"Men, carry Master Lin back. Even if he dies, he should die in the ditch where we work."

"Yes."

The others carried Lin Kun with great joy, as if showing off their military achievements, and walked slowly.

As everyone knows, someone escaped today. They caught the escapee and there will be a reward for everyone!
Zhao Jin was overjoyed. Originally, Song Da Guanren's actions had made many people lose the will to escape.

Although I will do manual labor, I won't have to worry about food and drink.

Especially if you work there for a long time, you get paid.

Nowhere else in jail can you get this kind of treatment.

You could even listen to gossip on the street, and the yamen runners wouldn't urge you on with whips.

They're happy that someone can escape and then be caught.

Upon learning the news, Zheng Wenhuan, the county clerk, rushed over from the construction site in Fanlou.

They were certain that someone had indeed escaped, regardless of whether Lin Kun did so voluntarily.

But it must be recorded.

When Butler Lin returned to report, Madam Lin flew into a rage.

She began to miss Lin Quan.

Because this new housekeeper is incompetent and always brings back bad news.

Madam Lin was certain that the fact that those prisoners dared to resist her meant that Song Xuan must have made arrangements behind the scenes.

Otherwise, would a bunch of ants dare to rebel like this?

All of this was orchestrated by Song Xuan behind the scenes against me!
Madam Lin is now beginning to suspect that Song Xuan knows about her sending someone to assassinate him.

Otherwise, with the Empress Dowager's decree in hand, how could he dare to be so passive?

Just as Madam Lin was going mad, Uncle Ma came to pay his respects.

He was Ma Jiliang's younger brother. As Liu Mei's son-in-law and Liu Congde's brother-in-law, Ma Jiliang still had some influence in the court.

"Madam Lin, why are you so angry?"

Uncle Ma quickly said that he had already used his connections to find his brother, Lin Zhongrong.

In short, I will do my part.

Mrs. Lin's mood eased a bit, and she began to explain the situation.

"Madam Lin, this matter is of utmost importance. Why doesn't Scholar Song accept it?"

"If the people from Wuyou Cave kill the hostage, they are ruthless killers."

Upon hearing Ma Shufang's words, Lin Rong's face darkened; he was her only son.

If something goes wrong, what's the point of having made so much money?
But what she feared most was that she would give the money but the person would not come back.

That's why I took the initiative to send someone to inform Song Xuan and ask him to come up with a solution.

However, upon seeing the letter, Song Xuan immediately kicked his messenger out, fearing any connection with Wuyou Cave.

“Madam Lin, I will go back immediately and tell my elder brother to impeach Song Xuan. After such a big incident, he refuses to see any guests. This is outrageous.”

“When an ordinary family loses a child, he sends people to search high and low. But Madam Lin is such a noble person, yet he remains indifferent when her own son is kidnapped!”

"How can someone like that be a local official? He doesn't deserve it!"

Ma Shufang's righteous and stern words immediately made Madam Lin feel much better.

Regardless of whether I can help or not, I need to make her happy first so that this matter can continue.

That's just how unreasonable it is!

"Alright, go find your brother. I'll go to the palace tomorrow and talk to the Empress Dowager about Song Xuan ignoring me."

"Leave this to me."

Uncle Ma quickly patted his chest and assured him:
"I will definitely pull in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. I will personally pay people to inquire about the whereabouts of Brother Lin Zhongrong regarding the Wuyou Cave."

"How can I get you to spend money?"

"Someone is coming."

Madam Lin hurriedly spoke up, but was refused by Uncle Ma, who even ran out of the courtyard gate.

Mrs. Lin was deeply moved.

Look at this, that's what you call helping out.

Uncle Ma really felt that it was nothing to collect such a small amount of money, and if he was going to collect it, he should collect more.

When he went to see his brother Ma Jiliang, he told him about it.

Ma Jiliang's first reaction was not to get involved, after all, his brother-in-law had an ambiguous relationship with Song Xuan.

At least in terms of voluntarily paying taxes, he felt that the two were in cahoots, putting on an act with the aim of getting all the merchants in Kaifeng County to pay taxes.

Of course, as the largest tea merchant in Kaifeng County, his family also dutifully paid taxes.

It's because Liu Congde already paid it.

Moreover, Ma Jiliang had inquired about it indirectly and learned that Liu Congde was always referring to Song Zhuangyuan (the top scholar in the imperial examination).

There was no trace of resentment or desire for revenge.

Upon hearing his brother's words, Uncle Ma coughed:
"Second brother, if we don't take advantage of Madam Lin's clouded judgment, it will be difficult for us to make money from her."

"How much money can I get from her?"

Ma Shufang held no official position.

He was not as good at business as his eldest brother, nor as lucky as his second brother, who married his sixth sister's daughter and went from being a tea merchant to an official in the Song Dynasty, and with a high rank.

He just wanted to make money with his "wisdom".

Ma Shufang was particularly fascinated by the sense of accomplishment he derived from transferring the wealth of those who lacked wisdom but possessed vast sums of money into his own hands.

"What does Big Brother mean?"

"I have already submitted my report today, and it will take our business to the next level."

Ma Jiliang was very certain that he was favored by the Empress Dowager, and no one dared to contradict him.

He just needs to wait for the news.

The Ma family will make even more money from this.

"What exactly is the idea?"

"Just you wait and see," Ma Jiliang said, unwilling to reveal anything beforehand.

In the imperial city.

Prime Minister Wang Zeng opened the memorial and saw that it was from Ma Jiliang.

His brow furrowed. People who were related to the Empress Dowager by marriage usually didn't submit anything good.

really.

Ma Jiliang talked for a long time in his memorial, but in the end, he revealed his true colors.

He suggested that merchants in the capital often sold tea and salt at low prices, and requested that officials set up a bureau to collect these prices.

Merchants in the capital often used low prices to buy up monopoly certificates such as tea permits and salt permits. He requested the government to establish a special agency to unify the purchase and trading of these certificates.

There are many profitable actions involved in this process.

Wang Zeng handed Ma Jiliang's memorial to Lü Yijian, instructing him to handle the matter.

After reading it, Lü Yijian remained silent.

Then it was handed to Zhang Shixun so that he could handle it.

After reading it, Zhang Shixun handed it directly to Zhang Zhibai.

After reading the memorials, Zhang Zhibai glanced at the other officials but didn't say much. He simply put the memorials into the pile of those that couldn't be decided.

Everyone knows that even if they oppose it, it won't make any difference.

The eldest aunt took great care of this nephew-in-law.

Otherwise, how could Ma Jiliang have climbed to his current position in just a few years?
"how?"

Wang Zeng glanced up and said, "Can't you even handle this hot potato?"

Everyone knew that if this matter succeeded, it would be competing with the people for profit.

Can the profits gained at the expense of the people actually end up in the imperial treasury?

That's probably not an option.

Just because Ma Jiliang made no attempt to conceal his true intentions, he wanted to devour this piece of meat.

This allows something illegal to become legal.

What can you do to him?
Lu Yijian sighed softly, "Prime Minister Wang, this matter is indeed thorny and cannot be handled by ordinary people."

"Even if we can't handle it, we still have to handle it."

Wang Zeng then brought out this memorial again:
"This matter must be discussed in the imperial court; it must not be sent directly to the Empress Dowager for review."

That's what it says.

But no one wanted to offend the eldest aunt's niece's husband!
They are very close.

In addition, her niece has a very sweet tongue and often goes to the palace to keep the Empress company.

Can an ordinary person control that kind of relationship?

Even if the prime minister objects, it won't make a difference in front of them.

Most people don't dare to offend him.

Several people remained silent, then Lü Yijian spoke:

“Lord Wang, if you do not wish to carry out this matter, I do have someone in mind who can make this matter drop.”

"You mean?"

"Correct."

Lü Yijian did not name names, but everyone knew the name of that person.

The standing Tai Sui is Song Zhuangyuan, after all.

Last time, for the sake of the common people, he dared to make Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, vomit blood in court.

So, this time, asking him to stand up for the common people and scold Ma Jiliang, who is competing with the people for profit, shouldn't be too much of a burden, right?
"Alright then, just invite him to participate next time."

Lü Yijian felt that Song Xuan was actually quite useful; a young man's temperament always needs to be tempered.

At the same time, he also wanted to test who was more important to the Empress Dowager.

Anyway, there's no need to say anything when Song Xuan is called in; he will take the initiative to protect the rights and interests of the common people.

Lü Yijian could confirm this.

However, he still needs to come up with a suitable excuse to get Song Xuan to participate.

While Lü Yijian was pondering this, he needed to find a suitable excuse so that Song Xuan wouldn't suspect anything.

He noticed the newly arrived memorials, and the catalog included a memorial submitted by Song Xuan of Kaifeng County.

Lü Yijian was overjoyed and quickly picked it up to examine it carefully.

"It's truly a case of searching high and low without finding it, only to have it come to you effortlessly."

Lü Yijian almost jumped up:
"Prime Minister Wang, please take a look at Scholar Song's memorial. Is it worth bringing it to court for the ministers to discuss?"

Wang Zeng looked at Song Xuan's three main pieces of advice. The first one was fine; if he wanted to do it, so be it.

As long as Tokyo can control most people's household registration, there won't be any major chaos.

The second thing is heavy rain and flooding, which happens almost every year in Tokyo.

The drought is getting worse this year, so there might not be any more droughts.

So just skip it.

As for dredging and repairing the river, those are major undertakings.

This needs to be discussed carefully. It was cleaned up in the second year of the Tiansheng era, but so far, a lot of silt has reappeared, which needs to be dealt with properly.

The imperial court has been unable to find enough money to handle this matter. Since Song Xuan wants to request the repairs himself and the Kaifeng County government will pay for them, does he have that much money?
Is it possible that the money borrowed from the four temples through usury is enough?

"Yes, every point in the memorial submitted by the top scholar Song is incisive and to the point."

Wang once praised him:
"However, repairing the river is a major undertaking, and it is located within the capital region. If we are not careful, we may encounter danger. We must be cautious."

Zhang Zhibai also paid close attention to Song Xuan, and he took it over to examine it carefully.

"Scholar Song truly has a heart that wants to get things done!"

Then he changed the subject: "Isn't what you two gentlemen are doing a bit inappropriate?"

"He is the most suitable person to do this."

Lü Yijian knew that Zhang Zhibai took care of younger generations, and many Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) had received his help.

However, if this matter is not to succeed, then Song Xuan is indispensable.

Zhang Zhibai looked at Wang Zeng and found that Wang Zeng also agreed.

"That's right. Song Twelve is fearless, so even if it means offending Ma Jiliang, it doesn't matter to him."

"But the kidnapping of Madam Lin's son by Wuyou Cave has caused quite a stir, yet Song Twelve has avoided meeting with him, offending more than one person."

Zhang Zhibai handed the memorial to Zhang Shixun: "Have you considered how much retaliation Song Twelve will suffer in the future?"

"With the few of us here, how could he possibly suffer any injustice?"

Lu Yijian shamelessly praised him, but he was determined to push Song Xuan out.

Who in his position hasn't been used as a tool when they were young?

If you are not used, how will your superiors promote you in the future?
"Song Zhuangyuan's memorials were so well-organized, while the memorials of the others were rambling and lacked any focus."

Zhang Shixun stroked his beard and sighed:
"If in the future all the memorials of my colleagues can be written so that people can understand them at a glance, then we will not have to spend so much time and effort, and strain our eyes."

"My eyesight is getting worse and worse at reading small print."

Once Zhang Shixun changed the subject, no one discussed the matter anymore.

As Lü Yijian's in-laws, they tacitly helped Lü Yijian achieve his goals.

Lü Yijian had already received news that Liu Congde's memorial concerning usury was likely to be passed.

If Ma Jiliang's memorial is not approved, it will be due to Song Xuan's obstruction.

In this way, even the Empress's in-laws will turn against him.

Song Xuan can't always be distracted by dealing with Chen Yaozuo and his brother.

Although Lü Yijian couldn't dissuade the two brothers, he could have others restrain Song Xuan to prevent him from killing the Chen brothers.

In the future, if his good partner Zhang Shixun were to retire and retire, he would need the Chen brothers as capable assistants to fill the position of vice prime minister.

In addition, Zhang Zhibai is in poor health, and the position of prime minister is so demanding that he may not be able to hold on for long.

Lü Yijian wanted to replace everyone with his own people and then replace Wang Zeng as the prime minister.

Under one person, above ten thousand people!

After all, the position of prime minister is a one-off job, and it's all about seniority.

Where is there a good opportunity to prepare for you?
Zhang Zhibai simply sighed and prepared to reveal the matter in advance so that Song Xuan would not take the lead.

At such a young age, he has offended all of the Empress Dowager's in-laws; he will surely suffer fierce retaliation.

Zhang Zhibai had intended to tell Fan Zhongyan that he had just learned of the birth of his son, so he rushed back to Nanjing to visit his relatives.

Indeed, Fan Chunren, the second son of Fan Zhongyan, was born, becoming a commoner prime minister of the Song Dynasty.

It is said that on the night before his birth, his mother dreamed of a child falling from the moon, which she caught with her skirt, and thus Fan Chunren was born.

After much deliberation, Zhang Zhibai decided to go find Cao Liyong, who lived across the street.

Cao Liyong is feeling pretty good lately.

Not only did I not have to pay back the high-interest loan, I also got a lot of benefits, so I didn't have to live on my meager salary.

Sure enough, my son-in-law is the best at making money.

"Where is Attendant Cao?"

"Master Zhang?"

Cao Yong sat up from the recliner, somewhat surprised as to why Zhang Zhibai had come to find him.

"Cough cough."

Zhang Zhibai's health was indeed not very good, and he sat down at Cao Liyong's invitation.

"Actually, I came here today to remind Scholar Song of something, and I hope that Attendant Cao can convey it to him."

Upon hearing this, Cao Liyong immediately perked up and said with a serious expression:

"For Master Zhang to disregard his frail health and make this trip under the scorching sun, it must be no small matter. I, Cao Liyong, will remember this kindness."

"Well, this matter is neither a big deal nor a small one; it's just to give Scholar Song a reminder."

Zhang Zhibai then explained Ma Jiliang's request and Wang Zenglu Yijian's intentions in detail.

Cao Li was about to unleash a torrent of curses when he saw Zhang Zhibai's expression:
"I will certainly pass on this message. On behalf of my son-in-law, I thank Master Zhang."

(End of this chapter)