A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 369 How Much Sorrow Can You Bear?

Cang Lin felt that as long as the yamen runners of Kaifeng County took action...

Investigate the remaining members of the Meiming Society based on the information you gave to Song Xuan.

Ma Liu will definitely not be able to sit still!

They will then come to me on their own initiative to help me solve the problem.

Let's see how Ma Liu escapes.

Canglin is determined to make a profit from this deal no matter what!
Little did they know that Cang Lin's scheme had already failed because he had first ruled out counterintuitive answers.

No matter how frantically the county yamen runners searched, Ma Liu wouldn't get angry or driven to desperation.

Cang Lin has already been sold off!

It's okay to scheme against others, but you also have to allow others to scheme against you.

It all comes down to who has the better skills!

The severed finger was used to forge the handwriting, which was identical to the original.

Su Qingrou also prematurely revealed that she was a spy for Wuyou Cave.

Despite all this, Cang Lin still thought he was in complete control!

Who can outsmart whom depends on who has more information and more cards to play, thus luring the opponent into a trap.

Inside the Kaifeng County Government Office.

Looking at the latest account book that Qian Gansan had brought, Song Xuan noticed that fewer and fewer Imperial Guards were going to borrow money.

The four temples have now incurred expenditures of over 600,000 guan, and half of the Privy Council's accounts have been received.

Song Xuan closed the ledger; the money was enough to support the dredging of the silt from the four rivers in Tokyo.

Furthermore, we must find ways to flush away the silt from the river, otherwise the sediment will accumulate higher and higher on the riverbed and eventually overflow the waterway, turning Tokyo into a Venice on the water.

Three years ago, Song Xuan read in the official gazette that the imperial court had already spent a large amount of money to repair the river.

This was to ensure the strength of the canal transport system.

Even in Nanjing, the former magistrate of Yingtian Prefecture, Zhang Kang, had been promoted for eliminating floods by managing the Baisha Canal and Shiliang Canal.

Of course, he went to a more distant place (Guyuan, Ningxia) to serve as the Tongpan of Zhenrong Army.

This wave represents a promotion of two ranks, bypassing the judge.

Unlike Song Xuan, who wore a green robe, this person was dressed in a scarlet robe.

This place is a key town on the front line of the war against the Western Xia, and its defense responsibilities are very heavy.

Zhang Kang once wrote a letter to Song Xuan, saying that if you came here, you might be able to write the best frontier poems.

Unfortunately, I am not good at poetry, and I hope that Twelve Lang will come to the Northwest to see the vast desert and the lone smoke rising straight.

Knowing that Song Xuan had ambitions to "greatly revitalize the Northwest," Zhang Kang said he would closely monitor the movements of the Western Xia.

He would secretly send people to investigate information within the territory of Western Xia, and then say something like, "The mutton here is really delicious," trying to entice Song Xuan to transfer him over as soon as possible.

Song Xuan also wrote back to Zhang Kang, but he didn't know if it had arrived by now.

He recounted Zhe Jixuan's story.

Perhaps in the future you can cooperate secretly, one in the open and one in the shadows. I didn't have any other suggestions, I just said that if there were a lot of laborers with nothing to do, they could build fortresses and such.

In the future, they will form a mutually supporting force, and even if the Western Xia cavalry arrives, it will be of no use.

Zhao Zhen took the account book and his face lit up with joy when he saw the amount:

"Twelfth Brother, that's quite a lot. Daxiangguo Temple is really rich."

"Even if the Great Xiangguo Temple paid all of this money, it wouldn't be a big problem for them."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"If the imperial court is ever willing to repair the Yellow River in the future, these monks will surely have to donate more money."

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but smile.

It turns out these monks can harvest twice.

His secret stash of money is desperately short of cash.

If it weren't for trusting Song Xuan and placing a large bet before he became the top scholar in the imperial examination, the emperor's treasury would be even more depleted by now.

Because Zhao Zhen was certain that Song Xuan would become the top scholar in the imperial examination, but he wasn't entirely sure that Song Xuan would become the top scholar in the provincial examination.

Who would have thought that the policy essay written by the twelfth brother was so strong that there was no need for him to give special treatment?

"Twelfth Brother, do you think these monks will obediently hand over the money?"

Zhao Zhen said somewhat awkwardly:

"Actually, I'm a little worried."

"What are you afraid of?"

Song Xuan's eyes were full of questions.

The government only suppresses these kinds of religions; it will never support them.

Especially since the dynasties of the Central Plains throughout history did not establish any Buddhist kingdoms.

Confucianism can crush these religious forces that are trying to seize control of the core base.

Confucius was chosen by feudal dynasties for two thousand years. Did they really think their school of thought was a pushover?
When they get ruthless, they'll even kill members of their own faction, let alone those from other factions.

"I'm worried that these monks will rebel!"

"rebel?"

Song Xuan rolled his eyes in exasperation:

"They can't do it."

"why?"

Zhao Zhen was an emperor and had received some education on preventing popular uprisings.

Although the scale of peasant uprisings in the Northern Song Dynasty was not large, there were still sporadic ones.

"In a temple, most monks have a good income. Are they willing to give it up?"

These temples in Tokyo have become heavily commercialized.

Especially inside the Daxiangguo Temple, not to mention the stall fees, there is a proper roast pig courtyard, which is said to be a specialty.

There is no better pork than this.

In addition, people often make offerings of incense, so it's very profitable.

"Temples make so much money; they're not just monks anymore, they've long since become businessmen."

“Merchants don’t have the guts to rebel.”

"Especially now that their monks' business is booming, isn't it all thanks to the royal protection? It's only right that they pay some taxes."

Song Xuan waved his accordion and said:

"They were lucky to have encountered a kind-hearted emperor who did not allow the emperor to follow the example of Emperor Shizong of Zhou."

"Instead of obediently handing over the money, they want to rebel. I think they're tired of living."

Zhao Zhen knew how his Song Dynasty came to be, and he was also familiar with the affairs of Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

When he first ascended the throne, he was essentially like an orphan and widow left behind by Emperor Shizong of Zhou.

Furthermore, he believed that Empress Liu was his biological mother, so he cooperated with Liu E's actions in everything he did, just to prevent the Song Dynasty's territory from being taken away by others.

He was even more aware of Emperor Shizong of Zhou's persecution of Buddhism.

After Zhao Zhen hummed in agreement, he spoke again, clearly puzzled:
"Twelfth Brother thinks that monks cannot rebel, since they have warrior monks, while Taoists do not have such monks. However, Zhang Jiao has a precedent of rebellion."

These rulers wouldn't call Zhang Jiao's uprising the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

Song Xuan pursed his lips:

"Their religious beliefs are very different, so their behavior is also different."

Zhao Zhen nodded slightly and said nothing more.

Anyway, I feel like I have another way to make money if I take charge in the future.

Because he is currently worried about money, even if he wanted to spend money to win people's hearts, Zhao Zhen doesn't have much wealth.

Empress Liu would not leave him any family wealth, thus ensuring that the Imperial Guards could be secretly bribed by him.

If you have no money, how can people be loyal to you?
Qi Lecheng knocked on the door and bowed with his hands clasped, saying:

"My lord, someone from the palace has arrived. It's that same eunuch Yang from last time; he's right outside the gate."

Song Xuan instructed Zhao Zhen to make a noise behind the screen to cover up the commotion, then came over and opened the door.
"Next time, let me know earlier that Eunuch Yang is coming so I can go out to greet him."

"Oh, Scholar Song, please don't blame him. It was my fault for not wanting to wait outside."

Yang Huaimin entered the room with a smile, only to feel the chill as soon as he stepped inside.

Song Xuan immediately spoke up:

"The rules can't be broken. Run faster next time."

"Yes."

Song Xuan gave him a look, and Qi Lecheng closed the door again.

"Scholar Song, there's no need for that."

Yang Huaimin was indeed quite pleased.

Even though he knew that Song Xuan was saying this to him.

"Eunuch Yang, what brings you here on this sweltering day?"

"Seeing that Scholar Song was about to rest, I rushed over to invite him to the palace for a talk."

"Ok?"

Song Xuan sat back down in his chair:
"Is it because the Empress Dowager summons me?"

"good."

Yang Huaimin also sat down politely:
"Madam Lin went to the Empress Dowager to complain about Scholar Song, which is why she was summoned to the palace to speak."

"So it was that stupid lady."

Song Xuan poured tea as if nothing had happened:

"Besides tattling, what else can she do?"

"Yes."

Yang Huaimin thanked him again:
"But now Madam Lin is all alone. Her son has been arrested, and her husband has been arrested by the county government and they won't let him go. She is crying and complaining in front of the Empress Dowager."

"The Empress Dowager is a soft-hearted person, so she had no choice but to take the liberty of this foolish woman and invite Scholar Song to the palace for a talk."

"I wonder if Scholar Song should prepare his speech?"

"Do I need to prepare to insult her?"

Song Xuan's question startled Yang Huaimin.

He had thought Song Xuan would be more restrained.

He hadn't expected this answer, and it left him completely speechless.

"Let's go, don't keep me from getting home and talking to my wife."

Song Xuan stood up immediately and asked someone to escort him.

"Scholar Song, don't act rashly!"

Yang Huaimin felt that the lowly woman surnamed Lin was quite favored by the Empress Dowager.

"It's not worth offending the Empress Dowager for the sake of a foolish wife."

"I know."

Song Xuan chuckled:
"In my dealings with people, I, Song Twelve, while I utterly despise bad people, I despise stupid people even more, especially stupid people who are my teammates."

Yang Huaimin immediately fell silent.

Someone who can pass all three levels of the imperial examinations must be extremely intelligent.

It's perfectly normal that he looks down on such foolish behavior.

In addition, Yang Huaimin had also experienced Song Xuan's public rebuke of Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng, so he also had some expectations.

Inside the palace.

Chen Yaozuo stayed by his side, and Liu E gave him a few instructions.

If you are not feeling well, you can rest for a while longer.

She didn't trust anyone else to handle the important capital region.

In reality, the reform was a way to appease Chen Yaozuo and encourage him to do a good job.

Chen Yaozuo was naturally grateful to Liu E, after all, such a humiliating thing had happened.

Empress Liu withstood the impeachment and did not allow Chen Yaozuo to leave the central government, which was a great consideration for him.

"Song Zhuangyuan is still young and impetuous. You don't need to take some of his words to heart. In the future, you should still serve the country well."

"I understand."

Chen Yaozuo didn't say much, just echoed.

He glanced at Zhongli Jin beside him, who had been transferred to the capital to replace Qin Guan as the prefectural judge.

I reckon their next step will be to replace me.

Empress Liu then emphasized to Chen Yaozuo that Zhongli Jin was a fellow townsman of Bao Zheng.

This person's mother was a devout Buddhist, and he was thus influenced by her.

Recently, while Zhong Lijin was paying homage, several relics suddenly appeared between her eyebrows.

It quickly became a popular story.

Empress Liu also valued the relics highly, so she summoned him to the capital.

Chen Yaozuo was somewhat surprised as he listened to the aunt's introduction.

Because he knew that relics only appear after a highly accomplished monk has died and been cremated.

Zhong Lijin is just a person who likes to worship Buddha. How could he have such great opportunities?

Chen Yaozu expressed doubt about this matter.

Just as the two were introducing themselves, Yang Huaimin came over with small steps to report that Scholar Song had arrived outside the room.

"Invite him in."

"Here."

After Song Xuan entered, he glanced at Madam Lin, whose eyes were red and swollen, standing next to Liu E.

There was also Chen Yaozuo sitting to the side, and another person I didn't recognize, but who looked rather unwell.

Zhong Lijin sized up Song Xuan. He had arrived in the capital a few days ago, and today he heard that the streets were buzzing with the story of the scholar Song writing a poem for his father-in-law.

It is truly a pleasure to read, yet it also evokes a sense of a hero's twilight years.

"Your subject Song Xuan greets Your Majesty."

"Without courtesy, I will give you a seat."

Ren Shouzhong placed a chair below Chen Yaozuo, and Song Xuan thanked him and sat down directly.

Song Xuan's clean and efficient movements caused Chen Yaozuo to subconsciously move away.

After all, Song Xuan had already done something disrespectful once, so why would he hesitate to do it a second time?
"I wonder why Your Majesty summoned me here?"

As soon as Song Xuan said this, Yang Huaimin was overjoyed.

This proves that he did not reveal anything to Song Xuan.

Some things don't need to be specifically explained, but people just do them on their own initiative.

No wonder the top scholar Song despised fools!
Empress Liu did not question her, but instead showed a helpless expression.

"Lin Rong has served me for many years. Her only son has been kidnapped, and her husband has been imprisoned by you and you refuse to release him."

"She was very worried and came to me for help, so I summoned you here to ask about the situation."

“I heard that she sent someone to the county government to report the case, but you blocked them at the door. The same thing happened when she went to your house.”

"Even when the police brought the kidnappers' ransom note to the county government to look for you, you sent someone to drive them away. Is that true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, this is indeed the case."

Liu E hadn't expected Song Xuan to admit it so readily; she couldn't even cover for him, so she had no choice but to speak up:
"Why?"

"The time of the report was too late, and she is a person close to the Empress Dowager. What kind of behavior is it for her to visit my house in the middle of the night?"

Song Xuan said in a serious tone, "I suspect that she covets my looks and wants to use her power to force herself on me, so I refuse to meet her."

This statement came out.

Everyone in the room was dumbfounded.

Only Yang Huaimin gritted her teeth and tried her best to hold back her laughter.

How could someone like him, a top scholar, say such things?

"You're talking nonsense."

It was Madam Lin who broke down; if it weren't for Liu E being there, she would have really made a scene.

When Liu E heard Song Xuan's reason for being so cautious, she tried hard to keep her mouth shut and not laugh out loud.

After all, she was the Empress Dowager of the Song Dynasty and had experienced so many ups and downs over the years.

But I've never heard of such an absurd reason.

A woman forces herself on a man.

This doesn't sound plausible at all!

"Song Xuan, Song Xuan, how am I supposed to respond to something like that?"

Liu E kept her lips pursed, not revealing what was on her mind.

Zhongli Jin looked Song Xuan up and down carefully again, and he did indeed look like a person from the Song Dynasty.

It truly lives up to its reputation.

Upon seeing Madam Lin's appearance again, Song Zhuangyuan realized why he was so worried.

That's perfectly normal!
Chen Yaozuo coughed twice; he was indeed shocked by Song Xuan's shamelessness.

How could someone like that not achieve anything?
"Hey hey hey."

Finally, the eunuch Yang Huaimin behind him couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing first.

He saw a whole audience of people, and he used to enjoy himself alone, but now that everyone was having fun together, he really couldn't hold back anymore.

Then, Liu E was infected by the laughter and tilted her head, trying hard to keep her mouth shut.

Madam Lin became increasingly furious, wishing she could go up and scratch Song Xuan.

"Gentlemen, what's so funny about this?"

Song Xuan looked at the group and spread his hands, saying:

"I often ask my wife, 'Who is more handsome, me or Xu Gong from the north of the city?'"

"I believe her when she says I'm beautiful."

"Because I pass by brothels on official business, those prostitutes always beckon me to come up to them, saying they'll spend the night with me for free. How can I let them take advantage of me?"

"Hahaha."

Zhong Lijin slapped his thigh and laughed even more wildly.

Even though Song Xuan spoke so formally, he still found the words of this top scholar Song extremely interesting.

However, he still envied the fact that visiting brothels didn't cost money.

Because in those kinds of places, physical contact isn't the most important thing; there's a lot of foreplay, and many of the games are designed to suit the physique of the literati.

Chen Yaozu rolled his eyes helplessly.

Song Xuan's nonsensical ramblings directly disrupted Madam Lin's rhythm of complaining and defending herself.

The more she angrily brandished her arms and legs, the more it confirmed the "truthfulness" of Song Xuan's nonsense.

It's usually women who say things like that. I wonder if Song Twelve drank some duck soup to be so shameless as to say such things.

Chen Yaozuo only seriously reflected on his actions after suffering a loss.

Song Xuan truly possesses the ability to speak eloquently; ordinary people can easily be led by the nose by him.

He had fallen for this trick once before.

We can't go through that again.

"Song Xuan, how dare you frame me!"

Madam Lin wished she could tear the handkerchief to shreds, but she could only grit her teeth and shout out those words.

"What false accusation?"

Song Xuan leaned back in his chair: "I have already stated the facts and evidence. Your excuses show that you are guilty."

"You!" Madam Lin angrily threw her handkerchief at me. "Your Majesty, look, she threw her own handkerchief at me in front of so many people. Isn't that obvious enough?"

"Hahaha."

The crowd, who had been watching the show in silence, burst into laughter again.

Even if this group of people are well-trained, laughter, the urge to vomit when seeing someone else vomit, and yawning are all contagious.

Having just calmed down, Liu E tried to purse her lips, hoping not to hurt her maid.

But this sounds so outrageous, how can it not make people laugh?
Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice, looking at Madam Lin as helpless as a man.

Yang Huaimin proactively served Song Xuan tea, smiling as she offered him a toast:

"Scholar Song, please stop making such jokes. Otherwise, I'll be worried about being punished by the Empress Dowager."

What's troubling you?

Song Xuan thanked him profusely: "Is it the kind of sorrow that a group of eunuchs have when they go to a brothel?"

Yang Huaimin was immediately speechless, unable to laugh.

On the contrary, Liu E actually laughed out loud.

"Eunuch Yang, now you don't have to worry about being punished, right?"

Yang Huaimin sighed resentfully. This time, Song Xuan had really given him a good excuse, but he didn't really want it.

Even Chen Yaozuo, who had been trying his best to keep a straight face, could only cover his mouth with his hand when he heard Song Xuan change Li Yu's "Yu Meiren".

I tried hard to remind myself not to be amused by Song Xuan's words.

The feud between us is irreconcilable.

But considering Song Xuan's adaptation, especially when he spoke to a real eunuch, it was definitely this group of people who were most vulnerable.

"That's all."

After laughing enough, Liu E calmed her strong inner self:

"Last night, the news of Scholar Song's 'Broken Formation' spread throughout the capital city. I thought it was really well written. But after hearing Scholar Song's humorous talk today, I will not punish you bunch of unruly people."

"Thank you, Madam."

Yang Huaimin and the others immediately expressed their gratitude. This matter could be considered a big deal or a small one, but since the Empress Dowager said she would not pursue it further, she would not bring it up again for punishment in the future.

"Scholar Song, stop talking nonsense. This case was assigned to you by me. Tell me what you want to do, so I can feel at ease."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Song Xuan skipped over the matter of not taking the case and talked about receiving the extortion letter.

Madam Lin actually sent someone to inform them openly and honestly.

Doesn't she realize that if someone dares to send a letter to her home, they must have someone watching over them?

The fact that the Lin family steward came to the county government office to deliver a message so openly must have been noticed by someone.

That's why I sent someone to beat him up and kick him out of the county government office, hoping not to alert him and deliberately create conflict between me and Madam Lin.

If the Lin family receives a second extortion letter, perhaps even more clues will emerge.

This analysis was logical and well-founded, and Liu E nodded in agreement frequently.

Mrs. Lin's face grew increasingly resentful. She hadn't expected that not only would she have been scolded and wronged, but in the end, it was still her fault!

Where are you going to make sense?
"Zhong Lijin, do you think Scholar Song's analysis is correct?"

"Correct."

Zhong Lijin gave Liu E a positive answer:

"If Wuyou Cave wants wealth, it's still possible to obtain it as long as they don't kill Madam Lin's son."

"Because if they are sent into the Worry-Free Cave, the government officials and their men are probably not as familiar with the terrain as they are with it."

"Even if they get inside, they could easily be ambushed by the people from Wuyou Cave."

Liu E nodded and then looked at Chen Yaozuo beside her.

Chen Yaozuo stroked his beard:

"Your Majesty, Magistrate Song's actions are intended to salvage the situation, but whether he can deceive the people of Wuyou Cave remains to be seen."

Liu E turned her head to look at Lin Rong, who was flushed and covered in sweat, as if she had fought a fierce battle.

"Lin Rong, what do you think?"

"I," Lin Rong said timidly, not daring to speak, "I will obey Your Majesty's will."

"Hey."

Liu E also sighed, it seemed that her son was really important to her.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so flustered; he used to be such a quick-witted person.

"Scholar Song, you shall take charge of this matter."

Liu E looked at Song Xuan: "The Wuyou Cave is too arrogant. They even dared to kidnap my maid. I don't know what they want to do. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Your Majesty, I understand."

Song Xuan immediately cried out in distress:

"But the constables and yamen runners in my Kaifeng County government are few and far between. Besides, they are only good at catching petty thieves. I have heard that the Vermilion Bird Hall in Wuyou Cave is full of assassins."

"Back when I was in Nanjing, I was assassinated by assassins sent by Wuyou Cave."

"Fortunately, the people around me are highly skilled in martial arts, so they didn't succeed. The Wuyou Cave is a powerful force, and I'm afraid the constables of Kaifeng County alone cannot accomplish this."

Liu E also knew about Dou Chou's affair; that was the first time she had heard Song Xuan's name.

He was thought to be just another face in the crowd, but unexpectedly he shone brightly and became the youngest scholar in the Song Dynasty to achieve the highest honors in all three categories.

Such a precedent was unprecedented for Liu E.

Liu E nodded in response to Song Xuan's complaints and concerns.
"Zhong Lijin will cooperate with you on this matter. Also, you should ask your father-in-law to mobilize troops to besiege Wuyou Cave. What do you think?"

"If that's the case, then I'll thank you very much for your help, Madam."

Song Xuan bowed to Zhongli Jin again:
“We will cooperate with each other. Even if we cannot completely wipe out Wuyou Cave, we will at least cut off one of its fingers to prevent them from being so rampant again.”

Zhongli Jin returned the greeting, saying, "That's certainly true."

Their coordinated performance left Chen Yaozuo, who was supposed to be in charge of maintaining order in Tokyo, completely out of the picture.
Liu E easily sensed Chen Yaozuo's predicament and offered words of comfort:

“Prefect Chen, you have just recovered from a serious illness and should not be working so hard, but there are too many things to do in the capital, so I have brought you back to take charge.”

Chen Yaozuo immediately declared that he, like Lian Po, could eat a bushel of rice and ten pounds of meat in one meal, and that he would certainly be able to do a good job as the Prefect of Kaifeng.

Liu E expressed her approval of Chen Yaozuo.

Actually, she also thought Chen Yaozu was bragging. Even ordinary military officers couldn't eat that much, so how could he?
Liu E was educated, but not much.

"Don't worry about the troublesome matter of Wuyou Cave. Instead, pay more attention to the drought today and the lives of the people in the surrounding area."

Hearing Liu E's instructions, Chen Yaozuo nodded.

He had experience with this, having previously worked in local areas where either droughts or severe floods were common.

Fortunately, he oversaw the repair of the river, which allowed many people to cultivate land.

It can be said that in the Song Dynasty, it was quite easy for people to build shrines in their honor when they built water conservancy projects, and even for them to be promoted by the imperial court.

If there isn't a drought or flood every year across the country, then it's truly a blessing from heaven.

Liu E then gave Song Xuan a series of instructions: first, to find a way to rescue Lin Rong's son; and second, to look for an opportunity to wipe out the Wuyou Cave.

Thirdly, your plan to repair the river is generally fine, but it still needs to be discussed in the imperial court.

In short, it's just a matter of going through it once. After all, there are quite a few officials in the imperial court who are in charge of repairing the waterways, and Chen Yaozuo, who is by your side, is an expert in this field.

Song Xuan readily agreed, adding that it would be even better if the imperial court could approve some funds.

Liu E said she would have the officials of the Three Departments calculate it.

Zhong Lijin then brought up the matter of the Imperial Guards' large-scale loan, explaining that he had heard about it while temporarily residing in a temple after entering the city.

After all, it is perfectly normal for someone with such a Buddhist nature to be received by a temple.

Otherwise, how could an ordinary person know that Zhongli Jin had produced a relic between his eyebrows?
Liu E nodded and then introduced Zhongli Jin to Song Xuan, saying that he was a person valued by Buddha and that he himself produced relics.

"What the hell?"

Song Xuan was taken aback.

This action made Zhongli Jin quite proud. Having been a Buddhist for many years, he was naturally certain that what was produced on his body were relics.

Upon hearing this, Song Xuan cautiously asked:
"Is the relic between Judge Zhong's eyebrows hard in texture?"

"It's tough."

Zhong Lijin answered with absolute certainty: "According to Buddhist scriptures, relics are as hard as iron; otherwise, how could I be sure they are relics?"

Buddhist relics are not perfectly round as one might imagine; they come in all sorts of shapes.

There are also things like finger bones and dental bones.

This thing was popular in the Song Dynasty.

Because Emperor Renzong of Song wrote a short poem praising the relics in his later years.

But Song Xuan knew how these things were made; he was so well-informed that he could even replicate them.

Regardless of what kind of human bones they are, or even other kinds of bones, they can be artificially created.

Controlling the temperature can even help adjust the color of your relics!

Song Xuan carefully examined Zhong Lijin's face and strongly suspected that he either had sebum buildup or chronic inflammation, leading to localized calcified nodules that appeared granular.

These nodules usually do not have obvious symptoms, and he does not feel pain.

Especially considering that living people produce relics, Zhongli Jin is even more impressive than highly accomplished monks.

The Buddha's relics are only obtained after he is cremated.

These monks also agreed, so it seems there's some kind of deal behind it.
When Liu E saw that Song Xuan had heard this affirmative answer, he remained silent.

For a moment, Song Xuan couldn't figure it out: did he believe Zhong Lijin's words, or did he feel there was no need to expose his obsession?

“Prefect Zhong, please continue.”

"I just want to ask, do these Imperial Guards really have no intention of repaying the loans they've taken out?"

"It's usury."

Song Xuan added, "Prefect Zhong should not believe only one side of the story, as it is biased."

"Yes." Zhong Lijin agreed with Song Xuan's statement:
"Is the imperial court so desperate that the Imperial Guards have to resort to high-interest loans to survive?"

"I can't help but ask, where has all the wealth of my Great Song Dynasty gone?"

Liu E glanced at Song Xuan, and seeing that he remained silent, she remembered that it was Liu Congde's idea.

She could only speak slowly:

"The usurers have ruined many families in my capital, Tokyo, and even the Great Xiangguo Temple is no exception. They send their warrior monks to collect debts, and if that fails, they will seek to associate with the No-Death Society."

"The No Fate Society is ruthless and evil-doing. It is less powerful than the Worry-Free Cave, but it has committed many atrocities."

“I was furious. I not only sent people to wipe out the No-Life Society, but also sent people to borrow money at high interest rates from places like the Great Xiangguo Temple, just to teach them a lesson.”

"Temples are places where people can accumulate blessings, not places where they are driven to ruin and death."

"By not following the example of Emperor Shizong of Zhou in suppressing Buddhism, I have already given them a great opportunity to correct their mistakes."

"The imperial court will surely pass a law in the future to restrict the interest rates of usury. Judge Zhong, do you have any further questions?"

Empress Liu instructed the maidservant beside her to fan the fan more forcefully:

"I will explain it to you all at once."

Empress Liu wanted to win people's hearts, but she also had to bear the risks behind it.

But these risks are nothing to her.

In addition, because he wanted to help Liu Congde, he readily agreed.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's question, Zhongli Jin quickly bowed and said, "It was because I was biased by what I heard that I wanted to ask."

"You have good intentions, but unfortunately you were taken advantage of."

Liu E then reminded him:

"There are too many clever people in this capital city. Zhongli Jin should carefully distinguish between them in the future so that he can better serve the court."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will remember this lesson."

"Alright, you can all go and rest now."

Empress Liu picked up the memorial beside her and said, "I must continue reviewing the memorials."

"My minister retire."

Zhong Lijin and Chen Yaozuo left together, heading to the Kaifeng government office.

Song Xuan was escorted by Yang Huaimin.

"Scholar Song, that was truly amazing!"

Yang Huaimin secretly gave him a thumbs up.

"Eunuch Yang is a man who can take a joke; he has truly impressed me."

"Hey hey hey."

Yang Huaimin smiled and said, "If Li Yu had revised this poem according to Song Zhuangyuan's style, he might not have died."

On his birthday, Li Yu wrote this timeless poem. When Emperor Taizong of Song learned of it, he immediately gave him a poison that caused him to die in agony.

Song Xuan, however, was thinking of Emperor Taizong's nighttime infatuation with Xiao Zhouhou, and wondered if he had drawn up any pictures of it.
I heard that Xiao Zhouhou was an exceptionally beautiful woman, and she died not long after Li Yu.

"Alas, how could an emperor as skilled at writing lyrics as Li Yu have written such playful and joking lyrics?"

Song Xuan waved his hand and laughed, "Eunuch Yang, please go and do your business. You don't need to worry about me."

"I'm going to the Privy Council to speak with my father-in-law about the Empress Dowager's instructions, so we can make preparations in case anything else happens!"

"Then I will respectfully see off Scholar Song."

Yang Huaimin stopped walking and stood watching Song Xuan leave.

inside the room.

Liu E gave Madam Lin a series of instructions:
“Don’t get too involved in this matter. Just listen to Scholar Song. You’ve lost your mind. If you keep making trouble, it could cost your son his life.”

Lin Rong was genuinely afraid that she would lose the Empress Dowager's favor, so she quickly assured her that she would listen to Scholar Song in this matter.

However, she was truly angry that her son was kidnapped, her husband was not by her side, and the top scholar Song refused to release him.

So then.

Liu E also expressed her understanding, saying that she had just wanted to plead for Lin Kun.

As a result, Song Xuan talked nonsense and changed the subject, and Liu E didn't even remember this little thing for a moment.

She was being led by the nose by Song Xuan without even realizing it herself.

It wasn't until Lin Rong pleaded for her again that she remembered.

“Song Xuan is a man who upholds justice. Even for my sake, he might not give me face.”

Liu E glanced at Lin Rong and said, "You shouldn't even think about this."

"Yes." Madam Lin bowed again, looking aggrieved.

Liu E waved her hand, and the comforter told her to go home and rest, and wait for news.

If someone else sends a message, do not go out immediately. Instead, have your subordinates dress up and go out so that the message can be delivered.

Chen Yaozuo and Zhong Lijin walked side by side.

"Prefect Chen, I will need your guidance in the future. I am new to the capital city and there are many things I am not clear about."

Zhong Lijin arrived first, and Liu E had already made a promise to him.

Work hard, and the position of Prefect of Kaifeng will be yours in the future.

The average term of office for the prefect of Kaifeng throughout history was no more than one year, meaning that Bao Zheng served for a longer period.

Chen Yaozuo's successor was indeed Zhong Lijin, but Old Zhong's health was not very good, and he passed away after only two months in office.

"With the support of the top scholar Song, do you still need me?"

Chen Yaozuo naturally wanted to test Zhong Lijin.

"Does the top scholar Song support me?"

Zhong Lijin's eyes flashed with a strange light: "Prefect Chen, this is the first time I've met Scholar Song. How could I say such a thing?"

"I'm sure Zhong Tongpan has heard about how I was insulted and vomited blood by the top scholar Song in the main hall these past few days in the capital."

"I have indeed heard about it. I heard that the main culprit has already been executed. Even the Empress Dowager did not live to see the autumn verdict. He must have committed heinous crimes."

Zhong Lijin stopped in her tracks and gently reminded him:
"Prefect Chen should not plead for such old acquaintances in the future, otherwise he will only ruin his own future."

"I?"

Chen Yaozuo shook his head: "How ridiculous! Do you think I'm the only one in this world who has old friends and acquaintances, and no one else does?"

"Perhaps in a few years, when Song Xuan also has an old friend who makes a mistake, let's see if he can still be fair and impartial."

“Especially the people around him, let’s wait and see.”

"If everyone just talks without understanding the situation and there's no humanity in the officialdom, can it still be called an officialdom?"

Chen Yaozuo left immediately, as he was certain that the Empress Dowager had promised Zhongli Jin something.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have started off in a lecturing tone.

This is not something a newly arrived subordinate should say to his superior.

Although the Tongpan was a tool to curb the power of the Fuyin, he still had to maintain a certain level of dignity.

Zhong Lijin watched Chen Yaozuo walk away, not feeling that she had said anything wrong.

He only said those things to save face for himself.

As the Prefect of Kaifeng, instead of standing up for the people, you exonerate criminals. How can the people of Dongjing (Kaifeng) accept you?

No wonder so many people in Dongjing (Kaifeng) praised Song Zhuangyuan (the top scholar in the imperial examination), but spoke ill of Chen Yaozuo, the prefect of Kaifeng.

With such unfair practices, how can the Kaifeng government possibly function properly?

"Cough cough cough."

Zhong Lijin coughed a few more times, then quickened her pace to catch up with Chen Yaozuo.

Song Xuan wasn't in a hurry, but instead carefully considered Liu E's request.

Finding Lin Zhongrong was very easy; he wasn't in Wuyou Cave's hands at all, but in Ma Liu's.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will surely be found.

However, Song Xuan wasn't in a hurry; he still wanted to use this to lure people from Wuyou Cave.

Hopefully, after being taught a lesson by Liu E, Madam Lin will be wise enough not to ruin the current excellent situation.

Song Xuan had never heard of Zhong Lijin before.

The Eight Immortals, however, had heard of Han Zhongli.

However, he knew that the Eight Immortals' family name was Zhongli Quan, and their surname was Zhongli.

Presumably, Zhongli Jin, the newly appointed Tongpan of Kaifeng Prefecture, also has a compound surname.

Upon arriving at the Privy Council, it was already deserted. Song Xuan looked at Tao Hong under the shade of a tree.

"how?"

"Young Master, almost no one comes to handle this anymore."

"Come home with me and rest for a while."

Song Xuan didn't even look at the account books:

"This amount of money is enough to raise. We'll find a way to do business with the Liao people with Liu Congde. We can quickly accumulate wealth by trading in and out of the market."

"Understood." Tao Hong seemed very excited. He hadn't spent a single penny upon arriving in Tokyo, yet he already had capital.

Unlike before, when you had to rack your brains to raise money to open a cold drink shop.

It's true that having power makes things easier; with just a single order, a large number of people will run around to make things happen.

Song Xuan entered the room, which was much cooler.

"father in law?"

Song Xuan watched as Cao Liyong battled Xia Song on the chessboard.

Upon seeing Song Xuan arrive, Cao Liyong burst into laughter and threw down a chess piece.
"We'll play again later, my son-in-law is here."

Xia Song didn't care; he was certain he would win this game anyway.

However, Song Xuan's new poem "Po Zhen Zi" from last night truly shocked him.

"It's too hot outside, someone come quickly and fan my son-in-law."

Cao Li shouted loudly, snatched the fan from the servant, and wanted to fan Song Xuan himself.

There's no way around it, this new term really boosted his reputation!
(End of this chapter)