A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 371 Reward
Zhao Zhen was raised in the palace from a young age and was full of curiosity about many things outside the palace.

So when Song Xuan talked about public toilets, I was extremely curious.

He genuinely wanted to see for himself.

“I come to the county government office from Yuqing Palace every day, and I haven’t really gone to other places in the capital.”

Those around Zhao Zhen were also concerned for his safety.

The emperor's status was extremely noble, and if anything happened to him, it would be a huge crisis for the dynasty.

Especially for emperors like Zhao Zhen who currently have no offspring.

Song Xuan didn't say much; it was better for Zhao Zhen to experience some things for himself.

"When officials have nothing to do, they can also experience the lives of ordinary people, just like going on an incognito visit."

"Private visit incognito?"

Zhao Zhen thought this word was well said.

Although the people living in Tokyo faced great pressure, there were no large-scale civil uprisings, even though land consolidation was very serious.

However, the large number of people engaged in handicrafts and the tertiary industry (service industry) absorbed many landless farmers, allowing them to survive.

Even the royal library was open to the public, though only for one or two days a year, which was still a benefit.

As for orphan care, nursing homes, and cemeteries, since the funding had dried up, Song Xuan picked them up again after collecting taxes.

In this land, ordinary people who have food to eat and don't starve are unlikely to have any thoughts of rebellion.

Although several decades have passed since the fierce atmosphere of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, some remnants of those traditions have not completely disappeared.

The large population of Tokyo, without effective governance, inevitably led to chaos.

Chaos will naturally attract people to take advantage of it and do crooked things.

The couple who were raising many orphans were arrested and imprisoned, and incidentally sentenced to beheading.

They really do sell children.

They treated the places set up by the government as their own, profiting from both sides.

Song Xuan's ruling not only won applause from the people of Tokyo, but also surprised many officials.

Because Song Xuan did not advocate subjective conjecture, but rather argued that physical evidence was greater than power, and affirmed the value of both physical evidence and witness testimony.

This was a very rare occurrence in the Song Dynasty.

In other words, Bao Zheng and Song Ci were quite materialistic in this respect.

Even Hai Rui, known as the "Upright Official of the Ming Dynasty," was not among them.

His principle for judging cases had to be based on the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues, with the law set aside.

Regardless of right or wrong, in cases involving father and son, Hai Rui's father always wins; in cases involving brothers, the elder brother always wins; and in cases involving husband and wife, the husband always wins.

These children were directly incorporated into the nursing home, and Song Xuan provided funding so that the elderly men and women could choose which children they liked to feed and care for.

When they reach the appropriate age, they will go to school together with the children of the county government officials.

The matter of Song Xuan collecting taxes had already caused quite a stir.

Besides dredging, the other task was to distribute benefits to the people in the county government.

Now they've come up with this whole thing.

The young are cared for, the elderly are supported, and the dead are given a proper burial instead of being left to rot in the wilderness.

This naturally diminished his reputation as a "standing local tyrant" by three points.

It turns out that Master Song was also a good official; he was not only ruthless in collecting taxes, but also had a kind heart.

Most importantly, word has already spread that Master Song is planning to repair the waterways of the capital city of Tokyo, and he will inevitably need to hire people to do the work.

This has piqued the interest of many residents of Tokyo.

After all, they had already found out how well those prisoners were treated while working.

Although there wasn't meat every day, after working there for a while, they would provide three meals a day, which was attractive enough.

Despite the flourishing commerce of the Song Dynasty, ordinary people could only afford to eat two meals a day to fill their stomachs.

I just don't know when Master Song will start construction.

Does this mean we have to wait until the autumn tax is collected, when many people will have more free time?

By then, the water level should have dropped, which might make construction easier.

Some clever people went to the county government office to inquire about the situation, in order to avoid being conscripted for corvée labor again.

Not only did they not have any money, they also had to spend money.

Qi Lecheng stated that he was unaware of such matters and that the official announcement from the government should be taken as the final word.

Especially with things like this, you absolutely cannot just spout nonsense.

Many people were still hopeful and hoped that Lord Song would issue an announcement soon.

Only in this way can we arrange the follow-up matters.

Some people wanted to make money from the government, but most of them were the guilds in Tokyo.

Master Song was quick to settle accounts, initially once a day, and later once every five days.

This speed of payment has made many guilds eagerly anticipate it.

If it were Lord Song who were in charge of repairing the river, he would probably need to purchase even more supplies.

Their only concern was whether the government would impose taxes or levies on them.

However, this decision ultimately rested with Song Xuan. The people of Kaifeng County could seek redress, but they had no way to get a meal or a meal from Song Xuan.

Even the famous Song official rarely went to Fanlou; he didn't eat out much.

This has puzzled many people.

In the Song Dynasty, eating out was much cheaper than cooking at home.

The cost of burning firewood alone is something not everyone can afford.

Wang Shu questioned Zhou Keming, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, about whether or not a heavy rainstorm would occur.

Zhou Keming had already resigned due to illness and was no longer able to leave his home; he had developed a carbuncle on his back.

Wang Shu's tone softened.

When asked by Wang Shu, he shook his head:

“Last year, Venus offended the Lingtai altar, and all those in charge of the calendar were punished. Heaven sounded the alarm, which was truly terrifying.”

"Now that Mars has invaded our territory again, should we not rise up?"

"What do you mean?"

Zhou Keming coughed twice:

“Minister Wang, if you still have any questions, summon my disciple Yang Weide and ask him to observe the celestial phenomena.”

"I think you should request that the imperial physician be summoned."

Looking at his appearance, Wang Shu knew that carbuncles on the back were usually incurable and he was likely to die.

Fan Zeng, Meng Haoran, Liu Biao, Cao Xiu, and later Zong Ze and Xu Da all died from this disease.

Even Wang Shu died of this disease, except that the disease affected his brain.

"I knew my lifespan was coming to an end, and even the imperial physicians couldn't help me."

Zhou Keming coughed a few times: "He's here just in time, I also have something to tell him."

Wang Shu waited nearby, and Yang Weide rushed back after receiving the news.

"Master."

Yang Weide's face showed a look of horror.

Although Master is over ninety years old, how come he suddenly developed a carbuncle on his back?
Zhou Keming was skilled in numerology and had insights into various other aspects of the Five Elements.

He didn't even have time to grieve, and instead directly let Yang Weide take away the "Burning Technique" that he had treasured for many years.

Yang Weide didn't take it; the Zhou family has a tradition of inheritance.

How could he take it?

However, Zhou Keming made Wang Shu vouch for him, and even if his own son was there, he had to comply.

Yang Weide cried uncontrollably.

"Wait until after your master dies, then come and cry with tears in your eyes."

Zhou Keming pointed to Wang Shu beside him: "You should still try to discern the celestial phenomena for Minister Wang and see if there will be heavy rain soon."

"Master."

Zhou Keming closed his eyes, not wanting to say anything more.

Since his failed attempt to spy, he has hardly managed the Imperial Observatory and the Astronomical Institute.

Yang Weide wiped away his tears, unsure of what to say. He had no interest in observing celestial phenomena at the moment.

During this period, he was engrossed in compiling books, so how could he have the mind to do such a boring thing?

However, Yang Weide dared not disobey his master's words, but Wang Shu said:

"This matter is urgent. I will come back in two days."

Yang Weide thanked him and let him leave.

After everyone left, Zhou Keming opened his eyes:

"From now on, you must not just deal with things casually anymore."

"Master, it's me."

Zhou Keming knew that his apprentice wanted to compile a groundbreaking book, so he just went through the motions with his work.

"It depends on the situation. I won't be able to cover for you for many more days. You can control the Imperial Observatory, but the Astronomical Academy may not be able to fall into your hands."

“The compilation of books cannot be rushed. It’s not too late to do it after you have observed the celestial phenomena.”

"Master."

Yang Weide wept bitterly, his eagerness stemming from his desire to compile the book while his master was still alive.

I never imagined that time would wait for no one.

"Why cry? I was prepared long ago."

Zhou Keming didn't care. He felt that his numerology skills were very powerful, which confirmed the lifespan he had calculated earlier.

He was actually quite pleased with his accuracy.

"Master."

Yang Weide just cried.

"Remember this: in the future, do not be too accurate in your attempts to observe celestial phenomena. Emperor Taizong was very concerned about these matters."

"The Emperor is still young and we do not know his temperament. If we were to predict the rise and fall of the dynasty, whether it is good or bad, it would be a disaster that wipes out our clan."

Zhou Keming then shared his years of experience as an official with him:
"Ultimately, you must never allow the celestial phenomena you observe to become an excuse for your ministers to attack other ministers or the emperor, otherwise the consequences will be dire."

“Everyone will treat you as an enemy. If things are exposed, they will only kick you out and convict you. Lingnan might just be your burial ground.”

Yang Weide always knew that his master was unmatched in this regard.

But I still can't understand why he would deliberately miscalculate.

"Ah, this?"

Zhou Keming simply patted Yang Weide on the head and didn't say anything more.

Some lessons are better learned through personal experience.

Back then, the Zhou family calculated that there would be no war in Lingnan, and sought to become officials in Lingnan to escape the war.

Zhou Keming didn't even make it through the night before passing away.

Emperor Zhao Zhen still sent someone to offer sacrifices. Although the celestial predictions were not very accurate, the old minister, who had served four reigns, still had a certain network of connections.

Even Cao Liyong went to pay his respects.

After all, Zhou Keming matched the birth dates of Song Xuan and his wife.

This trend did not reach the common people because the Zhou family served the dynasty and rarely did such things for the people.

Tokyo is getting hotter and hotter, with no sign of heavy rain.

Even the water level of the Bian River has dropped somewhat.

Song Xuan stood beside the Bian River, looking at the exposed bank and the even deeper silt at the bottom of the river.

At this time, many skilled people in the Bian River were probing the bottom with bamboo poles, and compared with the original records, there was a lot of silt and sand below.

Song Xuan squatted down and looked at the calm river surface. There were no crocodiles left to thrash around in it now; they had long been captured alive by skilled people who had collected the reward money.

"My lord, shall we go back?"

Zheng Wenhuan held an umbrella beside him.

"Let's go back and check on the silt removal work. I think the project is almost finished, right?"

"In reply to your question, sir, it is indeed almost finished. I reckon if we don't finish today, they'll be able to get a couple more meals and finish by tomorrow."

"Ah."

Song Xuan nodded:
"Order them to finish today. Tomorrow I will find someone to prepare a feast for them and pay them their wages. If they have performed well, I will release them. We'll talk about it again next time we recruit."

"Yes."

"And let the soldiers who have been patrolling hard recently also come to the feast tomorrow."

"understood."

Zheng Wenhuan asked someone to come and hold the umbrella for Song Xuan in his place, and he went to give the order.

Many onlookers were stopped by the yamen runners, who wouldn't let them get close.

After obtaining the useful data, Song Xuan instructed people to reward the skilled swimmers in the river with money.

It was a trivial matter; when did the government ever need to pay money?

"My lord?"

“I know that swimming in a river is not easy, let alone diving, which takes a lot of effort.”

"Take this money to eat and drink to replenish your strength. If needed in the future, the Kaifeng County Government will give priority to hiring you brothers to do things."

The leader immediately bowed and thanked Master Song for his reward.

Song Xuan nodded, stood up, and got into a stance to leave.

The Bian River is fed by water from the Yellow River, which brings a large amount of silt.

If we don't clear the silt for three to five years, we can create a thick layer underneath, and the river water will overflow after a little rain.

Cleaning up the Bian River and the other four rivers is only a temporary solution; the most crucial task is to manage the Yellow River.

However, there is currently little confidence in managing the Yellow River.

"My lord, will you be hiring a large number of people to repair the Yellow River in the future?"

Some people in the crowd mustered up the courage to ask.

Song Xuan stopped and looked at the crowd:
Who asked the question?

But no one dared to admit it.

Even if Song Xuan did a good deed.

The infamous reputation of the Earthly Deity Tai Sui cannot be erased in just a day or two.

Seeing that no one responded, Song Xuan ignored them and left with his men.

Several people in the crowd sighed again; they genuinely wanted to make some money from the government.

Such matters require an official like Zheng Wenhuan to convey them in order to gain people's trust.

After all, credibility is still necessary.

Zhao Jin and the others were leisurely clearing the silt, intending to make a living, but upon hearing this, they were naturally full of enthusiasm.

They wouldn't even dare to dream of attending a banquet.

Especially since it was organized by the government.

Ren Fu and the other imperial guards also received a notice that if they finished their work today, they would go to the backyard of the county government office for a banquet tomorrow, and a canopy would be set up to provide shade.

After receiving the notification, the four staff members began preparations that very night and transported all the items there.

Just send someone to get things done first thing tomorrow morning.

After Zhao Jin and the others washed up, they were given new prison uniforms. The old ones were collected, washed, and then given to the next group of people.

"Prefect Qin, I never expected you could hold on for so many days."

Lying on the straw, Qin Ying was somewhat impressed with himself. Although he was not as fair-skinned as before, he felt much stronger and even walking was no longer so tiring.

At first, he was exhausted, but after a few days, he gradually got used to it.

That's really strange.

"Yes."

Qin Ying wasn't completely without any news; his family sent word that the new prefect had arrived, and his case was likely to be closed.

Qin Ying had made up his mind that as soon as the case was closed, he would go to Yingtian Academy to teach and educate people.

We must never allow Mu Xiu to poison the minds of the scholars.

The debate over policy direction has always been fierce.

"After Qin Tong is sentenced, can he still hold an official position?"

"I won't take it anymore."

Qin Ying had a straw dangling from his mouth. As soon as he said this, everyone looked at him.

"Why?"

"I plan to teach at Yingtian Academy. I absolutely cannot let that evil cultivator Mu Xiu poison the scholars of my Great Song Dynasty."

They already knew about Qin Ying's arrest.

It's because we need to deal with that guy surnamed Mu.

"Teaching?"

Yingtian Academy.

"I know, it's from where the top scholar Song came from. The top spots were all taken by people from their academy."

"Wouldn't that be the number one academy in the world?"

"exactly."

"Even if Judge Qin is released from prison, his future is bright."

None of the many prisoners dared to bully him.

After all, although Qin Ying was imprisoned, he still held an official position.

Song Xuan also had no power to dismiss him.

The final decision rested with Liu E.

Especially after receiving the jailer's warning that anyone who dared to bully Judge Qin would be punished with a beating.

Qin Ying felt that Yingtian Academy had become famous too quickly, with too many students and not enough teachers, so he would definitely be needed as a teacher. Mu Xiu, we'll see how it goes when we actually teach.

"Prefect Qin, could you please tell me if Scholar Song will not reduce my sentence tomorrow?"

"Hmm?" Now it was Qin Ying's turn to sit up: "Why?"

"Everyone is looking forward to getting out as soon as possible, but you just don't want to."

"Then was then, and the present is now."

Zhao Jin also sighed with regret:
"If it weren't for Scholar Song's labor education, I, Zhao Jinye, would never have had the opportunity to drink Snowflake wine and receive a reward."

“If I get out of prison, I will still have to spend money to rent a place and eat every day, and my savings will eventually run out.”

"It's better to stay in prison for now; at least we can save some money."

"Once Master Song starts repairing the river, I'll be able to work again."

Qin Ying found it strange; he had heard Ren Fu say that there was an opportunity to recruit Zhao Jin and others into the Imperial Guard.

Being a soldier in the Imperial Guard is much better than being in prison.

"Do you really think so?"

"nature."

Zhao Jin sighed, "If I could save up some money, I could get a wife."

"Hahaha."

Everyone burst into laughter; so that's where the problem lay.

Qin Ying nodded, knowing that the dredging work on several river channels would take a considerable amount of time.

If he can make a fortune, he will then join the Imperial Guard.

But things are different now.

As Qin Ying sized up the group of criminals, he realized for the first time how successful Song Xuan's method of labor education and reform had been.

This young man was able to come up with one of the solutions to the problem of public security in Tokyo at such a young age; no wonder he was able to pass the imperial examination with top honors.

It seems that neither he nor Chen Yaozuo lost unjustly.

Even if a small group of people can be reformed, that is still considered an "educational achievement."

The county magistrate can be considered to have succeeded in his work.

"By the way, Judge Qin, do you think we'll need this for dredging?"

"Yes, the weather is getting hotter and hotter these days, and I heard that the imperial court has even prayed for rain."

"If it doesn't rain, won't all our work be for nothing?"

"It's better that it doesn't rain." Qin Ying stroked his beard.

“Once it rains, we won’t be able to sleep at night because we’ll all be soaking in the water.”

The Kaifeng County Government Office was surrounded by walls to block floods, and its terrain was also higher.

But the water that accumulates in the yard can't drain out, and everyone's feet will rot.

"It's better if it doesn't rain; I almost drowned last year."

"Yeah."

"We should just wait patiently to make money by repairing the Yellow River. Otherwise, once the flood is over, many people will come to Dongjing City and try to take our jobs."

The group discussed that the prison was actually cooler than the outside.

Soon, snoring could be heard; almost everyone had fallen asleep.

Qin Ying didn't know when he would be able to leave, but he had a feeling it should be close.

Now that her successor has arrived, it's time for the Empress Dowager to deliver her verdict.

The county government office was bustling with activity early the next morning.

Several large pots have been set up, and everyone is busy working on them.

After Song Xuan arrived, he inspected the group and sent someone to inform them.

Today is a banquet for the Imperial Guards and prisoners in jail.

Tomorrow, we'll close the doors of our county government office and have a feast, as if we're celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival early.

The many yamen runners were naturally overjoyed to hear this.

The prisoners in the jail were all hungry in the morning.

The jailer, Mao Lang, personally patrolled the area, constantly recounting the master's arrangements. In short, there was no food this morning; people would just drink some water when they were hungry and wait for their stomachs to empty.

I'm treating you all to a big meal at noon today. Although there's no Snowflake wine, it's still not some cheap wine.

You've benefited from Lord Song's influence.

In the past, where would you find such a good thing while in jail?

"If you get out in the future, commit fewer crimes. The big boss has already revealed that you did a good job in this dredging work and there were no escape incidents, so he will reduce your sentences accordingly and you can get out sooner."

With Mao Lang's words in mind, the majority of people still hoped to leave as soon as possible.

People with such a long-term vision as Zhao Jin are still a minority.

As people from the same social class, how many of them have the confidence to seize opportunities?

This has made many serious criminals envious, as they don't have this opportunity.

Once the Ministry of Justice has verified the facts, these people will be exiled or executed as appropriate.

As the weather gets hotter, cold dishes are being served in the shed.

Song Xuan invited the Imperial Guards to take their seats and instructed them to bring out the prisoners as well.

Ten people are seated at each table, arranged in order.

Song Xuan stood among the Imperial Guards, looking around at the people around him:
"You've all worked hard these past few days. I won't say much more. After this meal, you'll all receive a tip."

Ren Fu and the others were flattered and overwhelmed that Song Xuan would give them money, and repeatedly said they dared not accept it.

After all, the fact that they could dine at the same table as Song Xuan and have the opportunity to toast him would be enough for them to brag about.

Song Xuan immediately grabbed Ren Fu and said, "Your family isn't short of money, but don't your other brothers have places where they need money?"

"We all borrowed money from loan sharks and had money in a short period of time."

"Hahaha." Song Xuan patted his head:
"I almost forgot about that. Please don't complain that the reward money from the Kaifeng County government is too little!"

"Haha, I wouldn't dare."

Everyone had smiles on their faces.

Although the Imperial Guards earned more than ordinary people, those who were transferred here to patrol under the scorching sun must have had no connections at home.

Otherwise, how could they do such hard and tiring work?
Let's have a drink together first.

Zhao Zhen sat down next to Song Xuan, tilted his head back, and drank the wine, which was a bit spicy in his throat.

Although Ren Fu was looking at Song Xuan, his eyes remained fixed on the Emperor.

Goodness, everyone else felt honored to drink with the top scholar Song, little did they know that the people sitting at our table were officials.

With such honor, Ren Fu dared not speak carelessly, for fear of ruining the official's plans.

Song Xuan poured himself a cup of wine from the wine pot and handed it to Zhao Zhen, telling him to pour it himself.

Zhao Jin and the others craned their necks to look at Song Xuan.

Song Xuan took a few more steps and said to the group of prisoners:
“If you do not cheat or shirk your duties and complete the project on schedule, you will be paid your wages, receive a bonus, and have your sentence reduced.”

"When it comes to repairing the river in the future, the Kaifeng County Government will still give priority to hiring you people."

"You'll inevitably have to be in charge then, leading a bunch of novices to do the work, and you'll get paid more than you did this time."

The promise Song Xuan made truly excited the hundred or so prisoners.

Not only did this job yield results, but the next river repair job could easily take two or three years.

With my future life settled, how could I not be happy?
Who doesn't want a stable job and to earn money?

Although Tokyo could provide a livelihood for many people, the number of visitors kept increasing.

With so few job opportunities available, the only option left is to turn to crime and illegal activities—that's obvious.

"I won't say much else. As for wages and bonuses, I'll give them to you the day after tomorrow."

"Drink to your heart's content today, lest you lose the money after receiving it. Tomorrow I will be hosting a banquet for my county officials, and I won't have time to give you money."

Song Xuan drank the wine directly and then turned to leave.

"Thank you, sir."

Song Xuan didn't even turn his head, but simply waved his hand to signal for hot dishes to be served.

The four staff members are all very familiar with this process.

Ren Fu politely thanked Zhao Zhen for pouring him the wine.

Although Zhao Zhen did not reveal his identity, he was very excited, as this was the first time he had drunk with the Imperial Guards.

If one can control military forces, one's words will carry more weight in the future.

Others will listen too.

Zhao Zhen did not intend to reveal his identity at this time, but would do so when necessary in the future.

Otherwise, it would be too conspicuous and expose us prematurely.

Song Xuan sat back down in his chair: "Commander Ren, how's your drinking capacity?"

"I'm afraid I'll disappoint Scholar Song, because none of us at this table can drink as much."

"Hahaha."

Song Xuan patted him on the shoulder:

"I'm not good at drinking, so I'll just eat more vegetables. You can drink as much as you want without worrying about me."

"Even if you use a large bowl, there's no need to be too reserved."

Those eating at this table are all junior officers.

After hearing Song Xuan's words, I felt much more relaxed.

After a few drinks, someone asked, "Scholar Song, that poem 'Breaking the Enemy's Formation' was truly excellent. How long did it take you to write it?"

"It didn't take long; I wrote it down in a flash."

Song Xuan raised his glass and clinked it with his, making him feel flattered.

"Oh my, he truly is a literary star descended to earth."

Li Yuheng quickly finished the wine in his bowl to show his respect.

For a group of military men like them, even the thought of dining and drinking with scholars who had passed the imperial examinations was just wishful thinking.

The top scholar Song condescended to sit at the same table with his brothers and drink together.

He drinks a small cup, while we drink a big bowl – we're not losing out at all!

Especially this wine, which was specially bought for everyone by the top scholar of the Song Dynasty. How could he drink it so heartily?

Everyone praised him and expressed their envy that Cao Shizhong had such a good son-in-law.

It turns out that the top scholar Song really didn't look down on them, these martial artists.

The soldiers at the other tables came to offer toasts to Song Zhuangyuan, and he accepted them all.

Song Xuan was a little out of his mind after drinking so much. Although he had a high alcohol tolerance, he couldn't keep up with the soldiers coming one by one.

These kinds of things, you either refuse them all, or you can't leave out a single one.

Even Zhao Zhen, who was drinking with him, was already unconscious.

Song Xuan helped Zhao Zhen leave the table, letting them continue eating and drinking.

Ren Fu looked at the emperor, who had fallen into a deep sleep, with considerable worry, and then at his inexperienced subordinates, and couldn't help but sigh.

Seeing that Song Xuan had left, Li Yuheng said, "Commander Ren, Scholar Song really has a good capacity for alcohol! Let's drink by ourselves!"

"Drink, drink, drink."

Ren Fu sat down again, looking rather preoccupied.
"These clueless people, they come to toast one by one without even toasting the whole table, they insist on coming over one by one to clink glasses with Scholar Song."

Lee Woo-hyung understood the situation.

Perhaps after this opportunity, many people will never have the chance to even glimpse the talent of the God of Literature.

"Never mind them, let's keep drinking."

Song Xuan placed Zhao Zhen on the bed, so he didn't need to take care of him. The eunuch Yang Shouzhen, who was by his side, felt quite sorry for him.

As far as he knew, the emperor had never been drunk.

If the Empress Dowager finds out, he will surely be punished.

"The hangover soup is ready. Would Scholar Song like a bowl?"

"No need."

Song Xuan leaned back in his recliner: "This little bit of alcohol is nothing to me. I'll recover after a rest."

He kicked off his official boots, tore open his clothes, and closed his eyes to rest.

Yang Shouzhen instructed the eunuchs around him to attend to Song Xuan so that he wouldn't catch a cold.

Instead, it was the officials who were infected.

Zhang Huaide had no complaints whatsoever. Although he was the emperor's personal eunuch, Yang Shouzhen had taken over his job after Yang arrived.

This left Zhang Huaide at a loss for what to do.

"My lord, the sun is too high. Many prisoners, after eating and drinking, are not in a good mood and want to go back and take a nap."

Song Xuan opened his eyes: "Yes, let them go back."

"Prefect Qin still wishes to see you."

"Come."

Song Xuan took a sip of the tea the eunuch brought him and then took out a gold leaf to reward him.

“Scholar Song, no need. This is what I should do.”

"You serve the emperor, how can you serve me?"

Song Xuan asked Zhang Huaide to accept it:
"I've paid you, consider it hiring you for a while, otherwise people will start gossiping."

"I don't want to be impeached in court because of this, or I'll get a beating."

Zhang Huaide glanced at Yang Shouzhen and then obediently accepted it.

He assumed Song Xuan was just talking nonsense while drunk and that he would explain the matter to the emperor later.

Who would believe that a top scholar would fight and kick in the imperial court? It's completely unrealistic.

Just then, Qin Ying walked in, reeking of alcohol.

He was very outgoing and immediately poured himself some tea.

"Scholar Song, when will my case be resolved? Do you have any news?"

Song Xuan opened one eye and glanced at him, then closed it again:
"Prefect Qin, a position like yours requires the Empress Dowager's personal decision. How could I possibly know?"

“I knew the person who would take your place had arrived. His name is Zhong Lijin. I heard that when he was worshipping Buddha, many relics fell from between his eyebrows, which earned him the trust of the Empress Dowager.”

"what?"

Upon hearing Song Xuan's words, Qin Ying sobered up considerably.

"How is this possible?"

Qin Ying certainly knew about the relic.

That's something only high-ranking monks can produce; even ordinary monks might not be able to cultivate relics.

What merit or ability does an official like him possess?
"It sounds fake."

"I think so too, but some people believe it anyway."

Song Xuan remained reclining in the chair:
"President Qin, please wait patiently a little longer. Perhaps before the fifteenth of August, the Empress will send someone to handle this matter and allow you to return home for a family reunion."

"Reunion!" Qin Ying sighed softly. "My family said that Mu Xiu has already gone to take up a post at Yingtian Academy?"

"Yes, the evidence is conclusive; you have indeed wronged him."

Song Xuan kept his eyes closed.

"Anyway, his official position isn't high. The only thing that's high is his scholarship. Going to teach at the best academy in the world would be an excellent place. It's much better than scheming and fighting in the officialdom."

"If Mu Xiu continues to serve as an official, it is still a big question whether he will be able to rise to the fifth rank and wear the crimson robe in his lifetime."

Qin Ying remained silent, sensing the growing urgency of time.

Especially after learning that Mu Xiu, this heretical cultivator, had successfully taken up teaching, how could he remain calm?

The later he goes, the more students of the Song Dynasty will be corrupted by his ideas.

"Scholar Song, I rarely ask for favors in my life. Could you please pass on a message to the Empress Dowager for me?"

Before Song Xuan could open his eyes, Qi Lecheng knocked on the door from the outside and said:
"My lord, Zhong Lijin, the prefectural magistrate of Kaifeng, has arrived at the gate and wishes to pay you a visit."

"Invite him in."

After Song Xuan finished speaking, he opened his eyes:

"We can talk to Judge Qin later. Perhaps he can speak to the Empress Dowager, and he's more useful than me."

"I'm afraid that mentioning him as a sub-prefect is just a pretense; he'll eventually be promoted to the position of prefect of Kaifeng."

Qin Ying stroked his beard, admitting that the eldest empress was not a foolish woman.

This action must have been taken with her own considerations.

Otherwise, based solely on the absurd claim that relics were falling from between the eyebrows, the Great Madam ended the Heavenly Book Movement; she wouldn't have believed such a thing.

Led by the yamen runners, Zhong Lijin entered Song Xuan's office and was immediately greeted by a strong smell of alcohol.

Although drinking alcohol is prohibited during working hours, especially for officials.

However, as long as there were no officials to impeach him, it would be fine. Zhongli Jin wanted to maintain a good relationship with Song Xuan.

It's because he doesn't get along with Chen Yaozuo!
The enemy of my enemy is my best ally.

When I become the Prefect of Kaifeng in the future, I will need Song Xuan's support.

Zhong Lijin also found out that the magistrate of Xiangfu County was Lü Yijian's brother-in-law.

The relationships among the magistrates of the other counties in Kaifeng Prefecture were also deeply intertwined.

Without a capable subordinate, especially in Tokyo, one might not last more than a month or two before being fired.

What future career prospects do they have?

"Scholar Song, what's going on?"

"Today's celebration party is to mark the completion of the dredging work in Kaifeng County. I had a few extra drinks with the Imperial Guards and prisoners."

Zhongli Jin had not yet had a chance to pay his respects to the Emperor upon arriving in the capital, so he did not recognize the person lying in the bed.

I just felt that the man standing to the side, although he had a beard, was not masculine at all, and looked like a eunuch.

Then she noticed a prisoner sitting there openly, and Zhong Lijin was truly baffled.

He pointed to the prisoner: "Scholar Song, may I introduce you?"

(End of this chapter)