A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 413 The Pancake That Went into My Mouth
Upon receiving the news, Li Hong, the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Workshop, didn't waste any words and immediately brought several of his men over.

He was initially promoted after being recommended by Lü Yijian.

Now he not only serves as the Palace Censor, but also as a part-time official in the Directorate of Works.

Most importantly, he was from the same hometown as Song Xuan.

The neighboring county is also from Songzhou (Shangqiu).

Moreover, the very job he was in was to oversee the construction of large-scale water conservancy projects.

They can be described as technicians who specialize in civil engineering.

Song Xuan was somewhat surprised to see Li Hong arrive.
"Imperial Censor Li, what brings you here?"

"I am now concurrently serving as the Junior Supervisor. Is Scholar Song facing some difficulties?"

"Oh, I see."

Song Xuan then told his fellow villagers about Zhang Fangping's demands and his own suggestions regarding the wheelbarrow.

Li Hong did not come alone, but brought three officials with him.

The three of them were involved in everything from rammed earth wall construction to making various wooden utensils, and even carving and firing.

After listening to Li Hong's suggestion, Song Xuan pointed to Zhen Guanshu Cheng.

Ask him to go outside the city to check the quality of the bricks being fired; this is usually done by professionals, and it's much better than if you check it yourself.

Zhen, the official in charge of the office, quickly responded, saying that Master Song had said so and that he should just give his orders directly.

As for Zhang Fangping's request, it was to be carried out by the Left School Assistant Director and his men.

They admitted that they could make several vehicles in less than a day, and then see which one was more suitable for this application before mass production.

As for the Right School Office, they will provide guidance when the brick and stone walls are being built.

The crowd responded enthusiastically, thanking Scholar Song for arranging work for them.

Otherwise, if Song Zhuangyuan did such a huge project himself, and they, the officials of the Imperial Workshops, got nothing, it would indeed be embarrassing.

Li Hong was also quite satisfied with Song Xuan's arrangements.

At least this fellow villager knows how to share the credit.

Even if he could handle these things perfectly on his own.

However, in officialdom, it's not a good thing to monopolize resources.

Especially since they were both civil officials and from the same hometown, Li Hong wanted Song Xuan to grow up quickly.

They can also take care of each other's descendants in the future.

Fellow townsmen in the imperial court are natural allies.

"Scholar Song, you've finally come looking for me."

Li Hong dismissed his men and began talking to Song Xuan without any attempt to hide it from Zhang Fangping.

We're all from the same place.

"What?" Song Xuan asked, a look of surprise on his face. "Shouldn't I have come looking for you?"

"No, no, no." Li Hong waved his hands repeatedly:
“If you hadn’t come, I would have come looking for you.”

"Luckily you came on your own initiative, giving me a way out."

Li Hong couldn't help but laugh as he spoke, which gave him face in front of everyone.

"Don't misunderstand, it's just that I haven't been concurrently serving as the Director of the Imperial Workshops for very long. This group of people went to Huazhou, but Prefect Chen, relying on his rich experience, is not very willing to listen to the advice of people like us."

"Of course, the main reason is that Song Zhuangyuan's planning was excellent. Even if other craftsmen were employed, they would have been able to do a good job."

Song Xuan hummed:
"I've only made a simple plan, but when it comes to actually implementing it, we still need to listen to the craftsmen's advice. How can we ignore everyone else's suggestions?"

"This is not a good thing. In order to prevent the breach in Huazhou from happening again, Imperial Censor Li should be firm."

Li Hong felt that although Song Xuan was intelligent, he lacked awareness of the harshness of officialdom.

Chen Yaozuo took on so much responsibility in order to "atone for his crimes through meritorious service."

He didn't want his younger brother to be sent to a post outside the capital, so he would also be sent to a post outside the capital.

Both being recommended by Prime Minister Lü, Li Hong felt that Chen Yaozuo couldn't stand others sharing in his credit.

Even those from the same camp are not allowed.

“What Scholar Song said makes sense, and I will definitely report it again.”

Li Hong shook his head slightly again:
"Prefect Chen is probably in danger of losing his position, which is why he is acting this way."

"In the past, I felt that Song Zhuangyuan's plan and the specific implementation of the project were flawless, so I didn't pursue it further."

"After all, it's always good to leave room for maneuver in the future. Prefect Chen still wants to advance further."

"He's gone a step further?"

Song Xuan raised his eyebrows slightly.

It seems that Zhongli Jin's appointment as the Prefect of Kaifeng is a foregone conclusion.

When Empress Liu appointed people, she didn't pay too much attention to whether the person was capable or not; as long as they caught her eye, that was enough.

"correct."

Li Hong knew Chen Yaozuo's thoughts, and that Prime Minister Lü had made many empty promises to Chen Yaozuo.

"It's just that the appearance of the top scholar Song made Prefect Chen act too hastily."

"Since it's inconvenient for the top scholar to submit his own memorial, what flaws do you think there are in your plan?"

Li Hong really couldn't be found.

However, he knew that if Song Xuan himself promoted him, there would inevitably be voices deliberately targeting Chen Yaozuo.

However, if we use these "experts" from the Shogakukan to voice our opinions, then it's no longer a "partisan struggle."

Everything became reasonable, and Chen Yaozuo had to listen to it, both for public and private reasons.

"Oh, that's easy to do."

Song Xuan directly pointed out that he did this to save money.

They did not choose to use glutinous rice paste to build the dam.

If the Yellow River were to be saved money, it might be washed away by the water in a few years.

Li Hong nodded repeatedly: "Is there anything else?"

"During construction, it is essential to ensure a solid foundation. Otherwise, if the foundation is unstable, it will eventually be eroded and collapse over time."

"it is good."

Li Hong felt he had gained a lot, since he was the original designer and knew where the loopholes were.

If these people were to look at it, they would think that this plan is really strong, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

The only thing they can do is be a Monday morning quarterback after something happens.

Li Hong glanced at the Khitan people opposite him again:

"Song Zhuangyuan, instead of visiting the capital city of Kaifeng, these Khitans come here to watch the people of our Great Song Dynasty work. What are their intentions?"

"Could it be that they're trying to steal my skills?"

Song Xuan was also puzzled, as there was nothing to learn from this way of working.

Their Liao Dynasty system could not completely replicate this model.

"Are you learning by observing how others carry loads?"

Zhang Fangping smiled and thought it was unrealistic.

"To be honest, they were just observing how well we organized our logistics."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

Song Xuan explained to the two of them:

"In case of war, our Song army will need many laborers to transport supplies. If this place is in a mess, they will feel at ease."

"Yes, that's the truth."

Li Hong asked, somewhat puzzled:

"Song Zhuangyuan, the Song and Liao dynasties have been at peace for over twenty years. Why are they here to observe us? Could it be that they are secretly preparing for war?"

"But I heard that the emperor of Liao is old and it is almost impossible for him to lead another expedition."

Zhang Fangping chimed in:

"Especially since he personally led 500 troops to fight the Western Xia and was defeated, how could he dare to start a war with our Great Song?"

"You have all misunderstood the Khitans."

Song Xuan pointed to the Khitans on the opposite bank and said:

"Those in this group who most wanted the Song and Liao dynasties to go to war were often not the seemingly fierce Khitans, but rather the Han Chinese who served as officials in the Liao dynasty."

"Why?"

Li Hong was greatly puzzled.

Although they served as officials in the Liao Dynasty, they were all of the same clan and race, so why be so hostile?
"Imperial Censor Li, both the Song and Liao dynasties coveted the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, so they both issued favorable policies for the people of this region, right?"

"Yes."

Song Xuan further explained:

"With the death of Han Derang, the situation of the Han people in the Liao Kingdom has not improved but declined, and they naturally want to further improve their status."

“How can we improve it?”

"To participate in the imperial examinations."

Zhang Fangping knew that the Liao Dynasty also held imperial examinations.

“I heard Yelü Shucheng say that the Khitans consider it a disgrace to participate in the imperial examinations. His own nephew passed the imperial examinations and became a Jinshi, but his father publicly whipped him two hundred times.”

"what?"

Even Li Hong was starting to lose his composure.

This was something that was simply unimaginable in the Song Dynasty.

"Why?"

"Since the founding of the Liao Dynasty, no Khitan has ever participated in the imperial examinations and passed them. This is a disgrace to the Khitan people."

"The Khitans don't need to take the imperial examination to become officials. It's like the Tang Dynasty's system of nepotism, where as long as your ancestors were officials, your descendants can all become officials."

“Ordinary people like you and me don’t have strong family influence in the Yan Yun region, and we have no opportunity to study and participate in the imperial examinations.”

Li Hong felt the same way. In the Tang Dynasty, even if you were talented, it was difficult to have the opportunity to realize your ambitions unless you came from a prominent family.

Song Xuan then pointed to the Khitans on the opposite bank:

"Now that the Song and Liao dynasties are living in peace, the value of these Han people in the Liao dynasty's united front work is constantly declining."

"If war breaks out, they will surely be valued by the Liao emperor again. How can they not look forward to war?"

“That makes sense.” Zhang Fangping nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, that's the idea."

Li Hong also understood what Song Xuan meant by the value of united front work.

The literati of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were the biggest beneficiaries of the war between the Song and Liao dynasties.

How could they not hope for a local war?

As long as this place is not taken away by the Song people, they can rise in rank instead of being trampled underfoot by many Khitans for their entire lives.

"Hmph." Zhang Fangping chuckled a few times.

"Brother Twelf's actions have disappointed both the disaster victims and the city's residents, who are willing to work to earn money."

"Yes, from now on, these scholars and officials who serve the Liao will just have to obediently be dogs for the Khitans."

Song Xuan smiled and said, "Don't even think about turning things around. It's just not realistic."

During the Liao Dynasty, there were almost no rebellions by Han Chinese; it was all the surrounding tribes that rebelled. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun did not experience war for many years.

“Scholar Song, I have an idea now. I want to gather books from all over the world to record some crafts, such as wall building and brick making.”

Li Hong wanted to get things done: "What do you think of my idea?"

"Good, and bad."

"how?"

Li Hong didn't understand how such a thing could be explained in this way.

"Although our books are forbidden to the Khitans, they naturally have some ways to smuggle books back to study."

"Especially some military techniques, what if the Khitans and Tanguts learn them and use them against our Great Song?"

Song Xuan's question silenced Li Hong.

There is no airtight wall under the sky.

The Khitans also became interested in various technologies of the Song Dynasty, especially since the current emperor was in poor health.

They specially dispatched Yelü Shucheng, a man with a photographic memory, to the Song Dynasty to reproduce medical books.

Having said this, Song Xuan then spoke to Zhang Fangping:

"It's that Yelü Shucheng I just mentioned. He started learning Chinese at the age of seven. It's not so scary that he can master it, but what's scary is that he, like you, has a photographic memory."

"He also has a photographic memory?"

Zhang Fangping thought he was the only person in the world with such talent.

I never imagined that a Khitan would have such a talent.

We must not underestimate the people of the world!
"what?"

Li Hong also believed that his fellow villager's skills were unique in the world.

Even the barbaric Khitan people possessed this ability.

Simply unheard of.

"The top scholar Song was not joking?"

"I don't think they're joking. Those Khitans really want to launch this brand to overshadow our Great Song Dynasty, so I don't think they're lying."

"Moreover, I have also communicated with Yelü Shucheng. He is very knowledgeable about Confucian classics, which is better than many students in our Song Dynasty."

With Song Xuan's words in mind, Li Hong could only agree.

"Twelfth Brother, then I'll find an opportunity to have a match with him."

Zhang Fangping glanced at the opposite bank: "We'll know the truth then."

"No, please don't!"

Song Xuan quickly stopped him:

“Your talent is not meant to be used to compete with a barbarian. I’m afraid you’ll remember too many things and lose all your hair before you even become prime minister. It’s not worth it.”

"We can't do something that would hurt the enemy eight hundred while also damaging ourselves by over a thousand!"

"Hahaha."

Li Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter.

He couldn't believe that the young man in front of him had lost all his hair.

However, it's normal for hair to thin as you get older.

Then Li Hong subconsciously touched the top of his head, and he couldn't laugh anymore.

Zhang Fangping could certainly hear the protective intent in Song Xuan's words.

He's also someone who listens to advice:

"I'll do as my twelfth brother says."

"Well, we still need to solve the immediate task of quickly clearing the silt first, so that we can lay bricks later and avoid damaging both banks of the river."

"I also plan to plant willows and other trees along the riverbank tomorrow to reinforce the dike."

"That's a good idea."

Li Hong knew that this really worked:

"Song Zhuangyuan needs a lot of money. Is there enough money for this fish-catching competition?"

Song Xuan also looked worried and said:

"Where would the money be enough? Do you think I don't want to use glutinous rice paste?"

"However, this is only one part. I plan to hold more events next year, and maybe I can make up for the money I spent on the willow saplings."

"Yes, the national treasury is somewhat short of funds."

Li Hong was helpless in this situation; the imperial court only had so much money, and there were far too many places where it needed to be used.

If Song Xuan hadn't come up with his own way to collect taxes and make money, the imperial court simply wouldn't have been able to support him in undertaking such a large-scale project all at once.

Just as they were talking about the project, the group of Khitans crossed the bridge, ready to come and take a look.

Yelü Shucheng noticed that Song Xuan had also come to the scene, seemingly discussing something.

Although they were initially unaccustomed to the stench, these Khitans have now grown accustomed to the environment.

"Song Twelve."

Yelü Shucheng was the first to greet them: "It's been a few days since I last saw you. I never expected to see you here."

"Haha, Liu Liu."

Song Xuan also had a smile on his face:
"I was wondering why there were a few people with strange hairstyles on the other side. I didn't know that you Khitans had such a hobby of watching people work."

The two sides exchanged greetings, and the tense atmosphere that had set off at their first meeting was much less pronounced.

"Scholar Song, are you going to take the lead on this project?"

Lü Demao was very curious that the Southern Dynasty would train a young man in this way.

Song Xuan immediately pushed Li Hong forward:

"Although I took the lead, the people from the Imperial Workshop came to help me. We just worked together."

"I see."

Lü Demao nodded, "That's more like it."

Lu Demao almost thought he was a real genius, and constantly doubted himself, feeling that he had wasted so many years of his life.

How could Song Xuan, who had only recently transitioned from a scholar to an official, possibly shoulder such a heavy responsibility?
It seems that this group of southerners is once again praising the emergence of a new child prodigy.

Lu Demao had gotten used to it; every now and then, a few child prodigies would appear in the Central Plains.

The fact that he had become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) at the age of three several years ago left him completely bewildered.

If his family hadn't managed to find him a large number of Song Dynasty exam papers to use as practice questions, Lü Demao might not have been able to become the top scholar in the Liao Dynasty.

Because the Liao Dynasty's exam papers are equivalent to those in Tianjin and Beijing, using Henan's exam papers as a simulation will show you how easy the Liao Dynasty's exam papers are.

The difficulties faced by the two sides are completely different.

Of course, Lü Demao had no doubt about Song Xuan's ability in the imperial examination system because he had experienced it himself.

Because he achieved the highest honor of passing all three levels of the imperial examinations at such a young age, he had already proven his formidable strength.

The only thing that made Lü Demao feel a little uneasy was Song Xuan's governing ability; he must have had a large number of southerners helping him behind the scenes.

However, everyone nominated Song Xuan.

Now that Song Xuan is openly saying that he achieved this result entirely with the help of his colleagues.

Lü Demao believed that what Song Xuan said was true.

"Song Zhuangyuan was truly a humble person."

Li Hong also added a comment to help Song Xuan.

After all, the fact that they could say that in front of the Liao envoy meant they were giving him face.

But I can't be so shameless.

If Song Xuan hadn't sent someone to find him today, Li Hong wouldn't have had the chance to share in the credit.

He has always said that Chen Yaozuo wants to take another step forward, even though he is already this old.

Who wouldn't want to climb one more step up from this position?

The position of prime minister is extremely rare.

Becoming prime minister is a tremendous leap forward, both for one's own personal value and for the benefit of one's family and future generations.

At least it's possible for someone like a descendant of a Liao dynasty official to become a government official, and perhaps even rise to the position of prime minister.

"How long does the top scholar Song intend to take to complete this Bian River project?"

Lü Demao also wanted to learn more first. Only by putting the other party at ease could he gain more information as they talked.

"do not know."

Song Xuan sighed and said:
"To be honest, not long ago the Yellow River breached its banks, and the people of Huazhou were plunged into hardship. All the money and grain of the imperial court went to support that area, and the money and grain left for me were not enough."

"Therefore, we can only take it one step at a time and try to make more money in order to keep the project going. So I can't give Vice Envoy Lü a definite time."

"I see." Lü Demao was certain that Song Xuan was just repeating himself.

No useful information at all.

And they say it in such a grand and righteous way that you can't find any fault with it.

What a troublesome little thief.

You're being too defensive!

"I wonder if Vice Envoy Lü has any good ideas about how to handle this situation in Liao?"

Lü Demao was taken aback.

He never expected that Song Xuan would not only talk nonsense, but also chase after him to kill him.

We'll strike back and learn information from you.

"Actually, it just means working hard on a regular basis. All the provinces of our Great Liao will set up granaries."

"In years of plenty, grain is donated and stored to prepare for famine relief for the poor."

Lü Demao grew increasingly proud as he spoke: "When droughts or locust plagues struck places like Tokyo and Pingzhou, our Great Liao Dynasty immediately distributed relief from its granaries."

"The autumn rains in Nanjing have damaged the crops, so our Great Liao will stop collecting customs duties and grain from Tongshan."

"Although there are floods, droughts, locust plagues, and occasional tribal rebellions, the social order of our Great Liao has remained stable."

Song Xuan certainly had no way of knowing about these messages from the Liao court gazette.

Now, listening to Lü Demao's account, a man who had ventured deep into the Liao Dynasty and dealt with various disasters, he had gained a general understanding.

It seems that God is fair; not only does the Song Dynasty suffer from disasters, but the Liao Dynasty has also suffered its share.

In particular, the autumn rains can damage crops in places like Yanyun, and it's unclear whether it's still raining or not.

Find an opportunity to have someone investigate the locations of the granaries he mentioned, so that they can be marked on a map and prepared for the future.

"The Liao Dynasty's methods of providing disaster relief are so skillful, I wonder where the money comes from?"

Upon hearing Song Xuan's question, Lü Demao naturally gave a slight bow:
"It was ordered to be allocated by His Majesty of the Great Liao Dynasty."

"Too."

Song Xuan nodded approvingly.

"The people of the Liao Dynasty must live a relatively comfortable life, which is something our Song Dynasty should learn from."

Listening to Song Xuan's flattery, Yelü Gou'er, as the mastermind, felt somewhat smug.

However, Yelü Zongfu found Song Xuan's words rather harsh.

Because he knew that His Majesty's continuous military campaigns had led to the decline of the people's lives and an increase in taxes.

Many law-abiding Han Chinese in the Liao Dynasty often turned into thieves.

But can this kind of thing be told to outsiders?
The Liao Dynasty, under the leadership of Emperor Yelü Longxu, has reached its zenith. However, as he grows old, he gradually loses control over various domestic conflicts, and the country's strength has begun to decline.

This also explains the changes in some ways of life between the Han and Khitan people in the Liao Dynasty.

The Han people discovered that learning from the Khitans how to harvest grass and grain was a faster way to acquire wealth than farming.

So I gradually came to enjoy hay buffalo.

In particular, many places in the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun were suitable for thieves to settle down.

With the Song and Liao dynasties at peace for many years, some lower-class Khitans lost their income from gathering hay and began to learn farming from the Han people, discovering that they could also support themselves.

Then they decisively gave up harvesting hay and chose to make a living by farming.

Learning from each other and exchanging roles is what it means!
In any case, how could an envoy proactively publicize the internal conflicts and shortcomings of the Liao Dynasty?

"As the saying goes, even a clever housewife can't cook without rice. Scholar Song should ask the Empress Dowager and His Majesty for some money to help the disaster victims."

Lü Demao then steered the conversation toward how the two emperors had handled the situation.

"The Empress Dowager and the Emperor used their own money to allow me to auction some royal treasures at Fanlou, and the money raised can be used to relieve disaster victims."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Lü Demao clenched his fists inside his sleeves.

I finally have the opportunity to find out about this.

Be sure to hold on!

"The Empress Dowager and the Emperor are so kind-hearted that they even brought out royal treasures."

Lü Demao repeated, "I wonder if there will be a chance to broaden my horizons?"

"Yes, we have long heard that the craftsmen of the Song Dynasty were extremely skilled."

Yelü Gou'er couldn't help but chime in.

"If both Yelü Zhengshi and Lü Fushi have time, they can certainly participate in the auction and perhaps find one or two treasures they like."

"really?"

Song Xuan extended a very generous invitation:

"If we can get a high price, it will indirectly help the disaster victims in our Great Song Dynasty and further demonstrate the friendship between our two countries. How could I turn you away?"

Lü Demao breathed a sigh of relief:
"That's good. I was a little worried that your country might refuse us entry because the royal treasures are not allowed to leave the country."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Song Xuan waved his hands repeatedly:

"The Song and Liao are brotherly nations. How can we treat this matter separately? If word gets out, it will only make people think that our Song is petty."

"Yes, yes, yes." Yelü Gou'er was also overjoyed.

"If I come across a treasure I like, I will certainly not hesitate to offer a price."

"Very good, very good."

Song Xuan further explained that the auction's rules and regulations were still being finalized.

Maybe tomorrow we'll distribute some flyers and announce some special items.

At that time, someone will definitely be sent to the embassy to present one or two gifts.

Let everyone know about this process.

Yelü Shucheng knew that the news could not be kept secret.

However, once you gain the upper hand, your chances of winning are fifty percent.

No one can stop me from making progress first.

After receiving Song Xuan's invitation, Lü Demao did not linger. Instead, he left quickly with great excitement, lest Song Xuan discover any flaws in his plan.

After all, this kid is quite troublesome.

Yelü Gou'er and Lü Demao exchanged a glance after turning around, and felt that the matter was settled!

After the Khitans left, Li Hong took the initiative to ask:

"Scholar Song, what is this auction?"

"It's the kind of auction I was just talking about."

A look of suspicion flashed in Li Hong's eyes; of course he knew about the auction.

This is a trick from the Worry-Free Cave, how did he manage to learn it?

"Did Scholar Song get his inspiration after capturing and interrogating the thieves from Wuyou Cave?"

"That's it."

Song Xuan readily admitted to it.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered to do something like this.

Now we have every reason to tell the outside world.

Especially since these Khitans wanted to jump in on their own initiative.

The online romance between the two people was a mutual attraction.

"Have the Empress Dowager and the Emperor truly agreed to this?"

"I disagree. How about I get some of my valuable treasures to exchange for money to help disaster victims?"

Song Xuan pointed to the workers below:
"With so many mouths to feed, is auctioning off royal treasures such an unforgivable thing?"

Li Hong's main job was as a censor, responsible for impeaching officials; his secondary job was as the Director of Works.

"Hey."

Li Hong shut his mouth.

In fact, he felt that this action would damage the dignity of the royal family.

In particular, some of the treasures of the Song Dynasty imperial family would be auctioned off by the Khitans.

It's really a rather embarrassing thing.

Song Xuan didn't care about this or that, and he wouldn't tell Li Hong the specific details, lest Li Hong let it slip.

How will we be able to deceive the world then?
The fewer people who know about this kind of thing, the less likely the news will leak out.

"Scholar Song, you go ahead with your work. Just give them any instructions you may have. I'll go back and write my memorial."

"I won't give it away."

As Song Xuan watched Li Hong walk away, Zhang Fangping spoke up:

"That Khitan man from just now had a photographic memory?"

"Hmm, not bad, you noticed?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Zhang Fangping said with some surprise:
"This person's temperament is indeed very different from that of the other Khitans."

"Scholars like you and me see that Han man, who is also Vice Envoy Lü, as being like those students who failed the imperial examinations, lacking any sense of self-confidence."

After hearing Zhang Fangping's evaluation, Song Xuan thought for a while and agreed.

Yelü Shucheng was outwardly a Khitan, but his core had long been influenced by the Confucian culture of the Central Plains, and he was quite excellent in this regard.

Yelü Zongfu was outwardly Han Chinese, but his core had long been influenced by Khitan culture. Moreover, he intentionally rejected Han culture and imitated it in every way, so he was more like a Khitan from the inside out.

As for Lü Demao, even with his learning ability, he might not have been able to pass the provincial examination in the Song Dynasty.

In the imperial examination system, Zhang Fangping was confident that he had some ability to judge people's strengths and weaknesses.

"Twelfth Brother, are you planning to trick these Khitans?"

Zhang Fangping smiled and said, "You seem a little impatient."

Was I too hasty in my actions just now?

"Yes, you're too impatient."

"Hey."

"You must be making a huge profit, otherwise you wouldn't be in such a hurry."

Song Xuan sighed: "I've never swindled such a large sum of money from anyone before, so I can't be so nonchalant about it anymore."

Zhang Fangping said with absolute certainty, "Next time you should act even more reluctant before agreeing."

"Hahaha."

"Okay, okay, I'll improve next time."

Song Xuan laughed loudly.

I didn't dwell on it any further.

It must be said that with the urging of their superiors, the people in charge of the workshops were even more motivated.

The next day, ten modified wheelbarrows were placed in the courtyard of the Kaifeng County Government Office.

Song Xuan looked at this group of people; some had small cars, enough for one person to transport them.

The large truck carried two people, one in front and one behind, and could carry even more silt.

"But how many kilograms can it hold in each test?"

"To answer Song Zhuangyuan's question, this kind of small cart can be controlled by one person and can carry about 200 jin (100 kg)."

"The truck can be operated by two people and can carry about 500 kilograms."

Because the wheels are smaller, it's certain that it won't be as effortless as before.

What Song Xuan wanted now was not to save effort, but to load more so that he could transport more silt in one trip.

Otherwise, relying solely on human labor, even the strongest person could only transport 120 jin (60 kg) at a time, and they would have to walk very slowly.

It's really not as efficient as a car.

"Okay, thank you for your hard work in going with those workers on a few transport trips. It will help you identify problems and make improvements before mass production."

Song Xuan simply waved his hand, ordering someone to bring the money over, and gave each person a string of cash as a reward.

"My lord, this is inappropriate."

"Yes, one should not accept rewards without merit."

Song Xuan knew they wanted it; who doesn't want money?
But you still have to be polite in your words.

"Okay, you guys go ahead and get busy. Come back this afternoon and tell me if there are any improvements you need, then you can collect your money and leave."

Song Xuan said with a smile:
“Others may not respect artisans, but I, Song Xuan, admire skilled craftsmen the most and respect them. You can go ahead and get busy.”

The craftsmen promised to do their best, and then, together with several constables, pushed the cart away.

They were certain that Master Song was indeed the one who respected them, the craftsmen, the most.

The high-ranking official Song was so noble that he personally received us and immediately gave us a reward.

Isn't that disrespectful enough?
Song Xuan told Wang Bao to put the money on the table first, and then give it to the group when they returned in the afternoon.

None of us are saints, and the pressure of living in Tokyo is considerable.

Giving money is the most direct way to show your attitude.

If the money is right, people will be more willing to do things for you.

Zhao Zhen was looking at the brochures about the auction in his room.

The top features the five large characters "Fanlou Auction".

The central part features images of royal treasures.

The back features some gimmicky introductions.

Of course, it wasn't just flyers; the most common method was to hire idle men in Tokyo to act as human megaphones and spread the word everywhere.

The main purpose is to attract attention and convey information.

This wasn't Song Xuan's original idea. Business was booming in Tokyo, and this kind of thing had been around for a long time. They would even spend a lot of money to make a copper plate specifically for printing.

The signboard, banners, and promotional materials combine text and images, including the store name, address, and brief description of the products.

At the auction held at Fanlou, Song Xuan didn't need to specifically mark these items, because Fanlou itself was the biggest brand.

"Twelfth Brother, isn't this entrance fee of ten strings of cash a bit too high?"

Zhao Zhen was somewhat dumbfounded: "After all, our 'fish-catching contest' only costs ten coins!"

"Sixth Brother, the fish-catching contest is meant to encourage everyone to participate, but the increased entry fee here is intended to target specific individuals for profit."

"Fanlou was originally a place frequented only by the wealthy and powerful."

“If the price is too low, we’ll look down on these people; if the price is too high, we can filter out a lot of people who are just watching the show.”

Song Xuan poured himself a cup of hot tea.
"Is it something an ordinary person would do to be curious about royal treasures and want to buy them home?"

"So you even made it a rule that masks are allowed?"

"Correct."

Song Xuan blew on the tea in his hand:
"I learned this from Wuyou Cave."

"After all, they are experts in preparing for auctions, and they are very experienced."

"This is good."

Zhao Zhen narrowed his eyes.

He decided that he would also wear a mask and work as a shill at Fanlou.

Try to fuel their enthusiasm and get them to buy it at a high price.

Twelfth Brother is right. Someone who can spend ten strings of cash as an entrance fee must be quite wealthy.

They'd be lucky to make money off of them!
Otherwise, they'd all be hidden in the cellar at home. If you don't spend the money, can you still call it money?
"Will the auction be hosted by someone from Wuyou Cave?"

Song Xuan nodded and said:
“That’s right. I don’t know if the people from Wuyou Cave will come to join in the fun, but appointing people from Wuyou Cave is a way of indirectly sending a signal to them.”

"What signal?"

"Accepting the offer of amnesty can still guarantee your safety."

Song Xuan said with a serious expression:

"When Wang Qixiong is beheaded, we should also kill a few of the stubborn Wuyou Cave bandits who resisted to the end, so that they can see the consequences of going against the government. We should combine pacification with appeasement."

"Use these two things to provoke them into infighting."

"Perhaps someone will come offering to surrender, carrying the head of the Cave Master of Worry-Free Cave."

"Anyway, a bunch of thieves are bound together by profit, so they will inevitably divide up by profit as well."

Zhao Zhen nodded in agreement with Song Xuan's words.

Wuyoudong's business has shrunk dramatically due to the impact of the pandemic.

Many people dare not show their faces.

Especially the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, the branch of the Azure Dragon Hall, where they lived in constant fear, never knowing when the government troops would come to arrest them.

The open strategy of surrounding three sides but leaving one open side unleashed its formidable power at this moment.

If they were given the hope that the government would appoint them.

Some speculators, however, will not wait any longer.

Once a chain of suspicion is established, it is very difficult to completely eliminate it.

No one is in a state of absolute safety, so anyone could potentially betray them.

I might as well be the one who betrays first, so at least I can ensure my own safety.

Song Xuan took Tao Hong's account book, glanced at it a few times, and then tossed it to Zhao Zhen to observe and learn from.

He went to the backyard and had someone bring out the money from the classroom to buy fired bricks and mortar.

Song Xuan did want to make cement, but he didn't know the specific proportions. The old-fashioned method of using a mixture of cement, sand, and clay was sufficient.

Tao Hong continued to keep accounts, take the money, and use the silt from the riverbed to make bricks, which he then sold to the government. With each transaction, the money was spent in a reasonable way.

It was no easy feat for Song Xuan to manage to accumulate some private funds for Zhao Zhen.

After the cartloads of copper coins were hauled away, Song Xuan called over An Jun, the head of the gift room, and asked him to move all the tables and chairs inside.

Then, starting the day after tomorrow, all children aged seven and above who have not yet received formal education will be arranged to enter the classroom, and he will have Jia Changchao, a lecturer from the Imperial Academy, come.

The second classroom will be used tomorrow after the money is moved to the seized shops. Some educated students will be assigned to these classrooms to teach the students.

The person in charge, An Jun, quickly agreed, saying that it would be autumn and everyone should be starting school.

So he quickly called on the yamen runners to help move tables and chairs, and finally prepared two rulers for Song Xuan to give to the new teacher when he arrived.

If your own child is naughty and disobedient, you can just give them a good beating.

In this day and age, it is remarkable that Master Song was able to provide these children of yamen runners and clerks with the opportunity to study, and even run the school almost for free, with the county government funding it.

They're incredibly rare, even with a lantern.

Looking at the Thousand Character Classic that everyone brought out from the storeroom, Song Xuan felt a surge of emotion. As for the Three Character Classic, he could only recite a little bit of it.

Once it's actually released, we'll need to find someone to handle the follow-up details.

With everyone brainstorming, Song Xuan thought that perhaps a grand essay contest could be held in the Song Dynasty.

After all, there are so many scholars in the Song Dynasty that it's inevitable that there will be a few with exceptional talents who can actually follow the meaning and connect the dots.

The long-planned issue of schooling for the children of government officials in Kaifeng County was finally brought to the forefront, which greatly excited them.

Because the children of disaster victims could be taught to read by students from the Guangwen Academy, it had been quite some time since Song Xuan had promised them a bright future.

Now that they're finally going to get their hands on the pie, everyone's all smiles.

He even considered taking leave to buy new clothes for his daughter and son.

He suddenly became a scholar!

Zhong Wuliu ran over excitedly:

"My lord, should I still prepare those six rites for the teacher?"

"No need," Song Xuan waved his hands repeatedly.
"The county government will provide the gifts for your tuition. Otherwise, with so many of you sending them, Jia Jiangshu won't be able to finish them all in a few days, and they'll all go bad."

Zhong Wuliu was overjoyed: "My lord, that's too kind of you."

"roll."

"Hey."

(End of this chapter)