A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 428 You'll get numb if you stomp.

What chilled countless people within the Liao Kingdom to the bone was the tax increase order issued by the Great Khitan Emperor Yelü Longxu, which arrived even before the cold wind.

A person's life.

Few people can remain wise and shrewd from beginning to end, without ever making a mistake.

Especially for those who hold the position of emperor.

Even Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, swallowed a golden elixir and died young, barely preserving his reputation for wisdom and martial prowess.

Li Shimin's ambition for great achievements, extravagant lifestyle, pursuit of immortality, and suspicion of meritorious officials such as Yuchi Jingde were beginning to take shape.

Even in his later years, Li Shimin could not avoid such behavior.

Not to mention Emperor Yelü Longxu of the Great Khitan (who changed the name of his state from Great Liao to Great Khitan), who was inferior to him.

Yelü Longxu's extravagant lifestyle in his later years was not solely due to his fondness for Song Dynasty gyrfalcon glass artifacts.

The Liao Dynasty's politics were decaying rapidly.

Under such intense pressure, it's impossible to predict how many more rebellions might occur.

With Song Xuan's intervention, the pot of boiling water in the Liao Kingdom is getting hotter and hotter, to the point where the lid can no longer be kept on.

"Oh."

Yelü Shucheng rubbed his hands together and continued to stay in the Banjing Inn.

Normally, the envoys from both sides would not stay for too long; after finishing their business, they would play for a few days and then return home.

However, some envoys wanted to feign illness and stay in the prosperous Song Dynasty. This required Cao Liyong, who was tough on foreign powers, to step in and directly "cure" the Liao envoys' illnesses.

Tell him to get out of the Song Dynasty immediately. If he dares to stay and refuse to leave again, I'll chop off his head and use it as a football.

After all, the imperial court's expenditures on envoys were usually quite generous, demonstrating the magnanimity of a great nation, but it wasn't something you could take advantage of at will.

They came because of the issue of tribute, but they couldn't take the tribute with them.

This led many people to write back and make a fuss about the matter, but fortunately, after some back and forth, things calmed down.

According to the official history of the Liao Dynasty, Yelü Gou'er signed a new agreement with Song Xuan, which stipulated that 100,000 strings of cash would be used as a deposit, and he would personally deliver the remaining 900,000 strings of cash later.

After all, taxes have been increased within the territory of the Liao Dynasty.

Song Xuan didn't care.

Even if they take the annual tribute, it will still bring prosperity to the border markets and facilitate trade, and it won't directly flow into the Liao Dynasty.

However, since the deposit of 300,000 guan was missing, the two parties signed a new contract, and Song Xuan still insisted on paying additional interest.

Yelü Gou'er did not object to this, but instead felt that his side had gained an advantage.

Only Lü Demao looked worried after receiving the emperor's reply.

If taxes are increased, it's likely that they'll have to suppress rebels everywhere again.

But such "honest advice is hard to swallow," and as a Han official, he dared not say it.

When the emperor is wise and powerful, he can listen to dissenting opinions, but once he changes...

Saying such things is like dancing on a knife's edge, challenging his authority.

Who will die if you don’t die?
"Brother, why don't we go to Scholar Song's place and ask for that stove to keep warm?"

The monk Yelü and his companions were generously rewarded by His Majesty with a considerable sum of money, all of which came from the annual tribute.

After all, if a subject takes out all the gold in his family to please the emperor, the emperor will be very happy.

But if you don't reward them more after you're happy, how can you gain more loyalty?

"how?"

Yelü Shucheng put down the medical book in his hand:
"This charcoal isn't enough for you?"

"Our stove is better than theirs. I've never heard of rich people whose houses are built so nicely that they could easily die from carbon monoxide poisoning by burning coal in an iron stove?"

"No."

The monk Yelü chuckled:

"The last time I saw Song Zhuangyuan eating roasted chestnuts, I tasted them and thought they were better than steamed ones, so I also want to roast a couple anytime, anywhere."

Sugar-roasted chestnuts did not appear at present; they only appeared at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty.

However, Yelü Heshang and others lived in Nanjing (present-day Beijing) for a period of time, and chestnut trees were planted in the Yanshan Mountains.

Yelü Shucheng was speechless.

So that's what you wanted.

However, Yelü Shucheng thought this item was quite good. If it were sent back to our Great Khitan, perhaps many people would not freeze to death on the grasslands.

“That’s great. Since we have nothing else to do, let’s go and see how Scholar Song governs. Perhaps we can use his knowledge in the future.”

Yelü Shucheng would not tell his younger brother his true goals, lest his brother blurt them out.

After all, Song Xuan was a clever man, and he might be able to figure it out with a few probing questions.

"Brother, how can our Khitan people learn the methods of the Song people?"

Yelü Shucheng pointed to the clothes on his younger brother's body:

“You are dressed entirely in Song Dynasty clothing from head to toe. We used to wear sheepskin.”

"Moreover, the Han people of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun are also used by our Great Khitan. What's wrong with learning some of the methods of the Song people?"

“As the sage said, ‘Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me. I will choose the good qualities of him and follow them, and correct my bad qualities.’ Moreover, the official system of our Great Khitan is not much different from that of the Song people.”

"If you want to serve as an official in Nanjing in the future, you will inevitably have to deal with the Han people. Knowing their thoughts in advance will benefit both of us."

Yelü the monk nodded and stopped arguing.

He wasn't thinking that far ahead; he figured he might as well get himself an iron stove and roast some chestnuts.

Maybe we can even grill some lamb while we're at it.

Recently, rumors about this million-dollar treasure have been rampant in Tokyo.

Yelü Shucheng also heard some rumors, especially since it seemed that people always talked about it among the Khitans whenever he went out.

I don't know if it was intentional or not.

“Brother.” Yelü the monk raised an eyebrow:
"Could it be that the treasure is really fake?"

"Don't bother."

Yelü Shucheng felt that such a sound would certainly not reach the ears of the Great Khitan Emperor.

Otherwise, neither the spies hidden in Tokyo nor Yelü Gou'er, who was in charge of purchasing, would have a good ending.

His Majesty can no longer tolerate such words.

Even if it's fake, it's real to His Majesty.

This is Heaven's favor upon the Great Khitan, and even more so, recognition of His Majesty's achievements.

Anyone who dares to say it's fake is asking for death!
Most importantly, even spies, for the sake of their own future and destiny, had to do everything in their power to ensure that the treasure in Song Xuan's possession was genuine.

Information cocoons were a very serious issue even in ancient times.

This is not an isolated place.

Zhao Zhen sat on a bench covered with a cotton cushion, plucking chestnuts.

He liked the sound of chestnuts cracking and popping; it was especially satisfying.

"Sixth Brother, stay away from me, lest you inhale too much poisonous smoke and get dizzy and lightheaded. If you suddenly stand up, your vision may go black and you may faint."

"real or fake?"

Zhao Zhen's eyes showed surprise and doubt.

He knew perfectly well that the toxic fumes were being piped out of the house.

Black smoke was billowing out of the buildings of the Kaifeng County Government Office.

Now there's a layer of black slag on the ground, which needs to be cleaned up.

As for environmental protection, we don't even consider it. The most important thing is to survive the freezing winter.

When have I ever lied to you?

Song Xuan chuckled: "Put down the stove hook now, stand up and try it right away."

Zhao Zhen readily accepted the advice and suddenly stood up.

He did feel a slight blackout in his vision, and a dizzy, unsteady feeling.

After realizing what was happening, Zhao Zhen retreated repeatedly: "Twelfth Brother, is this poisonous smoke still so potent even with only a fraction left?"

"Of course, to kill someone without them even realizing it, what do you think?"

After Song Xuan stopped teasing Zhao Zhen, he explained:
"And don't be too complacent about the charcoal burning either. You should still have someone guarding it at night."

"Good good."

Zhao Zhen responded repeatedly.

I never plan to go near that iron furnace again.

Song Xuan looked to the side, suppressing his smile.

Most people experience dizziness and lightheadedness when suddenly standing up from a squatting position.

"Indeed, Twelfth Brother was right. This kind of iron stove is not suitable for wealthy families. Even opening a window in this house has such an effect. Their houses are too good."

Zhao Zhen never imagined that having such a nice house could also have its downsides.

At least we've said goodbye to these cheap heating tools, but those groups of people don't bother with them; they're mostly scum and annoying.

"By the way, Twelfth Brother, why did you put the new honeycomb briquettes on top and then only take out the burnt-out one from the bottom layer, instead of taking out the rest together?"

Zhao Zhen placed the kettle, which was 80% full of water, back on top. This way of brewing tea also had a unique flavor.

"Of course, it's for saving money and starting a fire."

Song Xuan stretched out his finger and said:
"Ordinary people don't have that much money. They can make a living with just three pieces of coal."

"The bottom layer is burning exhausted coal, the middle layer is burning brightly, and the top layer is made of new coal."

"I see."

Zhao Zhen nodded, and Tao Hong handed the account book to Song Xuan.

He bought a large quantity of loose coal, which was cheap, and used it to make honeycomb briquettes with soil, thus making full use of the resources.

As for large pieces of coal, they were used for making bricks.

Zhao Zhen nodded. Indeed, when it comes to frugality, one must look at the lives of ordinary people. He himself should be even more frugal in the future.

"My lord, those two Khitans have come again with their slaves. Besides speaking with the two Khitans in our county office as usual, they also want to pay their respects to you, my lord."

"Let them be." Song Xuan said with a smile.
"These two are considered big clients of our county government, so as long as they don't cause any trouble, it's fine."

"clear."

Qi Lecheng then went down to give instructions, sending someone to follow them and prevent them from wandering off.

Furthermore, a translator from Ban Jing Guan is currently working in the county government office, facilitating communication.

Yelü Shucheng walked in with a smile, lifting the curtain.

"Scholar Song, it's been a long time."

Song Xuan stood up, picked up the kettle, and poured a lot of hot water into the teapot:

"It hasn't been many days, Liu Liu. You've been coming so often. Are you worried about me?"

"Hahaha."

Yelü Shucheng quickly waved his hand and said:
"Scholar Song is too kind. I am merely using official business as an excuse to learn more from you."

He had just sat down when he noticed a young man sitting to his side. He felt the young man looked somewhat familiar, but he didn't ask any questions.

After all, Zhao Zhen was sitting on a high place that day and was wearing a crown.

People generally wouldn't look directly at the emperor, as this was considered a bad habit and could easily lead to being held accountable.

"I have very little experience in these areas."

Song Xuan put down the kettle:

"It's mainly because I'm good at taking exams. As for scholarship, I'd like to invite Jia, the lecturer from the Imperial Academy, to come over so you can discuss things in detail."

Yelü Shucheng felt that Song Xuan was being too modest.

Having spent so long in Tokyo, he had heard many versions of the story of the Song Dynasty's top scholar from idlers.

Although there are many exaggerations involved, most of them prove that he did such a thing. It's just that as the story spreads from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred, many people have different versions of it.

That's why there's a difference, making people feel it's fake.

If Song Xuan's scholarship was lacking, then those in charge of the imperial examinations in the Song Dynasty were the least deserving of their positions.

They are simply bringing disaster to the country and its people, and are not capable of selecting the best talent for the imperial court.

"I found that Scholar Song was always so humble, which is something I should learn from."

Yelü Shucheng then said with considerable emotion:
"I have studied many books by ancient sages in the Liao Dynasty, but unfortunately there is no one in the Liao Dynasty who can debate with me, which keeps me stuck at this level."

"Now that I have come to the Great Song Dynasty, I realize that I still have a huge gap to fill, which motivates me to continue to study in depth."

"Therefore, I hope that Scholar Song will not hesitate to offer his guidance."

"I would not presume to offer guidance."

Song Xuan took a slip of paper, wrote some information on it, and handed it back before the ink had dried:
"Liu Liu, if you have some free time, you can go to the Imperial Academy's Banjing Hall to find Zhang Min, Chen Xiliang, and others. They might be able to have a good debate with you."

"When I was a student, I loved to debate with others, but now that I'm an official, I've learned the lesson that trouble comes from the mouth."

"Therefore, I will not easily compete with others. It's pointless. I'd rather spend that time thinking about how to improve people's livelihoods."

"But these students are much older than me. Before they became officials, they were very willing to debate. You can test their mettle and then come back to talk to them."

Yelü Shucheng took the note, a smile playing on his lips.

He understood what Song Xuan meant.

He said he wanted to test the mettle of these students, and in turn, let them test their mettle as well.

See if you are qualified to debate with him.

"Very well, thank you for the introduction, Scholar Song."

Yelü Shucheng readily accepted the note written by Song Xuan, as he always wanted to test his abilities against the strongest scholar in the Song Dynasty.

But he discovered that he was not qualified at all. He was just a country bumpkin from the Khitan people. How could he possibly challenge the top scholar?

"Brother, the top scholar of the Song Dynasty."

After entering, Yelü the monk greeted everyone, then happily picked up the stove hook, took down the kettle, put the lid back on, casually placed a few chestnuts on it, and then sat down to the side.

"Thank you, Scholar Song."

Monk Yelü pulled the teacup closer to himself:
"I heard some rumors on the way here. I wonder if Scholar Song has heard them?"

"rumor?"

Song Xuan glanced at Yelü the monk and blew on his tea: "Never heard of it."

The monk Yelü then revealed the origin of the glass piece containing the gyrfalcon, stating that it was not from the Tang Dynasty at all.

"If it's not from the Tang Dynasty, then what dynasty could it be?"

"It was you, Song Xuan, who did this."

"Hahaha." Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice, then said, "Not bad, that's what I made."

"You actually admitted it!"

The monk Yelü looked utterly incredulous.

Zhao Zhen was taken aback when his twelfth brother admitted it so openly.

Yelü Shucheng glared at his younger brother.

Use your pig brain to think about it, how could that be possible!
The Song Dynasty took pride in studying, and the craftsmen of the Song Dynasty were all exceptionally skilled.

But from the Qin Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, how many artisans with skills have been able to become high-ranking officials?

No, even though the Qin Dynasty encouraged artisans to invent and create, the rewards were generally not very generous.

As for Li Jie, a descendant of a family of civil engineers who became a high-ranking official in the Song Dynasty, he wouldn't have been born for more than 20 years.

Currently, the only instance of a craftsman becoming the Minister of Works (a second-rank official) is during the Ming Dynasty.

"Nonsense! How could Scholar Song be so engrossed in such a thing!"

Yelü Shucheng immediately explained, "Please don't be offended, Scholar Song. My younger brother is straightforward and easily swayed by others."

"It's alright," Song Xuan said with a smile, putting down his teacup.

"The fact that this treasure fetched such an astronomical price at auction naturally aroused the envy of others."

“Now some people in the court have begun to impeach me for abusing my power for personal gain. It is absolutely unacceptable for such a huge fortune to fall into my hands alone.”

"So the rumors circulating on the street are nothing to worry about."

After listening to Song Xuan's explanation, Yelü Shucheng understood.

When there were no foreign enemies, these Han people were very fond of internal strife.

However, such internal strife is normal; Yelü Shucheng has seen many such incidents within his own country.

Even within the same surname, such as Yelü or Xiao, there are various small groups that fight each other.

If there were no struggles whatsoever, His Majesty would probably have to sleep with one eye open.

Monk Yelü was still somewhat confused: "But why did Scholar Song admit it just now?"

"I was just joking earlier, you didn't actually believe me, did you?"

Hearing Song Xuan's question, Monk Yelü nodded honestly:

"I truly believed it."

"Hahaha."

In fact, Zhao Zhen, who was sitting silently in the corner, also felt that his twelfth brother's words were too calm, to the point that people would believe he was telling the truth.

It was not a joke.

Now, with all the truth and falsehood mixed up, Yelü the monk has completely lost his confidence.

These Han Chinese talk in a complicated way and are not honest at all!

Yelü Shucheng chuckled in agreement, not believing the treasure was fake.

Because neither the Liao nor the Song dynasty could make it.

If the Song people could have made such exquisite glass treasures, they would have publicized it extensively long ago; there would have been no way it would have gone unnoticed.

"Liu Liu, Liu Heshang, you two brothers don't have to worry."

Song Xuan snorted and laughed:
"I can assure you that when you Khitans actually hand over the money to me, that will be the time when rumors will really fly everywhere, trying to sabotage this deal."

"good."

Yelü Shucheng also understood that some people did not want the deal to go through, because they also wanted such a good treasure.

“What Scholar Song said makes sense. If this deal is done, it will benefit both of us.”

Song Xuan invited him for tea, but didn't continue the conversation on this topic.

Rather than denying it, it's better to admit it anyway, since they can't refute the truth.

Through this conversation, Yelü Shucheng sensed that Song Xuan was still somewhat wavering about the deal.

After all, the criticism he faced in the Song Dynasty's officialdom was something his military father-in-law couldn't protect him from.

If he had a different prime minister as his father-in-law, perhaps he wouldn't be so obsequious in court.

Such things are not available in the market at all in the Song Dynasty. They are extremely rare, and even the people of the Song Dynasty do not believe that they can make them with their skills.

Yelü Shucheng was quite convinced that this treasure was from the Tang Dynasty.

Even if it's fake, it must be real to have come this far.

"Scholar Song, could you please give me one of these iron stoves?"

Yelü the monk didn't continue questioning on the spot, choosing instead to discuss his doubts with his brother when no one was around. Now, he wanted to reclaim the thing he had been longing for.

What are you going to do with it?

Song Xuan raised an eyebrow: "You think you can freeze inside Banjing Hall?"

"no no."

The monk Yelü then explained his reasons.

"No way," Song Xuan quickly waved his hand.

“The house in Banjingguan is very good. If I let you use it, and someone seizes the opportunity to poison you two brothers with poisonous smoke, I will never be able to clear my name even if I jump into the Yellow River.”

"At that time, they will attack me even more fiercely, and your emperor will think that I am deliberately causing trouble."

"How could toxic fumes possibly flow back into the system?"

"Both wind and human effort can achieve this."

Song Xuan couldn't help but shake his head:
"Monk Liu, you really don't think this thing is anything good, do you?"

"A slight mishap could cost you your life."

"I do not believe."

"Do not believe?"

Song Xuan told him to squat down next to the stove and roast for a while. Yelü Monk felt the heat wafting through the air.

He finally understood what the storytellers in Tokyo meant when they said Sun Wukong was in the alchemy furnace.

"When I tell you to stand up, you stand up. Do you understand?"

"Understand."

Zhao Zhen understood what Song Xuan was trying to do, so he was somewhat looking forward to seeing this big guy make a fool of himself.

Yelü Shucheng didn't understand why he was forcing his younger brother to smoke drugs.

"Monk Liu, stand up right now!"

Upon hearing this, Monk Yelü suddenly stood up, immediately feeling dizzy. He instinctively tried to grab the chimney pipe, but was burned and cried out.

He was swaying precariously and barely managed to stop himself.

His face was pale, and he kept swinging his arms wildly.

Yelü Shucheng was dumbfounded. Could this kind of poisonous smoke really be so potent?

"Monk, how are you?" Yelü Shucheng quickly helped his tall and strong younger brother up.

"hand pain."

"How can it not hurt when you get burned?"

Yelü Shucheng angrily rebuked his younger brother, asking why he was so slow-witted.

The monk Yelü said with lingering fear:

"Brother, why did my vision suddenly go black when I stood up, and I could barely stand?"

"This toxic smoke is really poisonous!"

Song Xuan also stood up at this moment, with his hands behind his back:
"Monk Liu, go to the clinic to get your burns treated."

Yelü Shucheng was greatly puzzled: "Scholar Song, is this poisonous smoke really that potent?"

"Liu Liu, you'll get dizzy if you squat down."

Song Xuan said with amusement:

"Do you want to try it?"

"No, no, as the sage said, a wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall."

Yelü Shucheng looked at his younger brother, whose tall and strong body couldn't withstand it, and thought that someone like him, a scholar, might fall into the furnace. That would be too dangerous.

"Scholar Song, is this thing really that powerful?"

Yelü Shucheng asked with lingering fear, "Is this chimney useless?"

"It's somewhat useful, but the effect is only so-so."

Song Xuan then placed the kettle back over the flame:
"Liu Liu, I never light a stove myself. There will be toxic smoke. Otherwise, why would I tell those with good financial means never to use it?"

"This thing kills without leaving a trace; it's no joke."

"Then why do you still use it?"

"Liu Liu, I have no choice but to do this. Of course, it's to convince many poor people that this product will prevent them from freezing to death in the winter."

Song Xuan spread his hands and said:
"It's like giving someone a good meal before killing them—a form of humane care. If we're really unlucky, it's better to let them die in a warm environment."

Yelü Shucheng was greatly alarmed.

"You know, I don't use this thing when I'm sleeping at home at night."

Song Xuan pointed to the stove: "I both love and hate this thing. What a pity, what a pity."

He also didn't want this item to be promoted among the Khitans.

After all, the name of the Khitan state, Liao, originally meant iron, and their craftsmanship in ironware was superior to that of the Song Dynasty in many aspects.

This item is most suitable for the people of the Liao Kingdom, whose climate is becoming increasingly cold.

This was the only excuse Song Xuan could use to tell them.

"It's a pity indeed."

Yelü Shucheng also believed that coal was a good thing, but it was harmful to the human body after it was burned.

No wonder those craftsmen died of illness at a young age; now I understand.

He made no consideration whatsoever whether the artisans in the Liao Dynasty had died from overwork and illness.

Oxen and horses need to rest when they are tired, but their value is not even that of oxen and horses, so they cannot rest.

Anyway, if a slave dies, he or she dies; they can just catch another one. Do you think the Khitan masters should shed tears for their slaves?
That's simply impossible.

“Scholar Song, then we brothers will not disturb you any longer.”

Yelü Shucheng also didn't want to stay in the room any longer, so he made an excuse to go see a doctor for his younger brother and left directly.

His desire to spend more time with Song Xuan and learn how to handle government affairs had faded considerably.

Song Xuan did this for the sake of the poor people of the Song Dynasty.

He was a member of the Khitan royal family; how could he harm his health for the sake of the Song Dynasty and the people of Khitan?
After everyone left, Song Xuan lifted the curtain to let in some cold air.

"Twelfth Brother, is this thing really that dangerous?"

Zhao Zhen was also somewhat worried: "It would be better for Twelfth Brother to come here to work less often."

"Sixth Brother, don't worry, I'm just trying to scare the Khitans."

"what?"

Zhao Zhen felt that he had just been no different from the monk Yelü.

However, Yelü the monk looked stronger, so his reaction was more intense, and he almost fell over because he couldn't stand up straight.

"If you go home and squat for a while and then suddenly stand up, you'll feel dizzy and almost lose your footing."

Song Xuan glanced back at the bewildered Zhao Zhen:
"That was a pre-prepared excuse to deceive the Khitans from using this thing, but I never expected that you would use it first."

"Ah, this!"

Zhao Zhen felt that Song Xuan would not lie to him, that he would have such a feeling even without being exposed to poisonous smoke.
"Of course, since your place is so well-built, you shouldn't use such dangerous materials; it's really easy for something to go wrong."

Song Xuan chuckled, "In that case, I'm doing this to put an end to your thoughts."

Zhao Zhen nodded, no longer wanting to tinker with this thing in the palace.

He really wanted to see how ordinary people came up with so many money-saving tips.

Song Xuan summoned several officials from the clerk's office and asked how the autumn tax collection was progressing.

Although the city itself did not experience flooding due to the heavy rains this year, the areas outside the city were still affected.

The Empress Dowager had already ordered Kaifeng Prefecture to waive taxes for a year.

After all, there was a heavy rain last year, and the harvest wasn't much.

However, the autumn tax not only required the collection of grain in the north, but also crucially, fodder for the government and the postal service.

In addition, there must be conscription of laborers.

Fortunately, Song Xuan hired prisoners and a large number of disaster victims to carry out work relief, thus avoiding corvée labor for the people of Kaifeng County.

This even indirectly meant that no one in the entire Kaifeng Prefecture would have the opportunity to perform corvée labor this autumn.

Even if the imperial court reduces or exempts taxes, there are still various miscellaneous taxes to be collected.

The salt tax was levied by the government in the spring when it distributed salt to the countryside and in the autumn when it collected a tax.

There was also money for straw sandals, mainly to subsidize the tax collectors' hard work.

So far, only commercial taxes have been collected, and there is no shortfall.

After receiving their report, Song Xuan announced:

"You must collect the remaining miscellaneous taxes within half a month, understand?"

"clear."

Everyone responded enthusiastically, indicating that they would complete the task within the stipulated timeframe.

Although the county government has become rich overnight through buying and selling.

However, that one million strings of cash did not belong to the Kaifeng County government, so they could forget about getting a share of it.

As for the people paying taxes, that's a necessary action.

In the eyes of these officials, let alone Kaifeng County.

The people of Kaifeng Prefecture were all happy to make up the difference and thank Master Song for his kindness.

Otherwise, those village heads, household leaders, and village clerks would have to take turns on duty.

In addition, local laborers also had to engage in various tasks such as river repair, road construction, palace building, and transporting official goods.

Serving the imperial court was a rule since ancient times, but the Song Dynasty did not have a strict law that punishes people for being late, nor did it provide the conditions for the Dazexiang Uprising.

However, according to the laws of the Qin Dynasty, being late for a deadline was not a capital offense punishable by death.

Although the Song Dynasty had a developed commercial economy, and there was a policy of paying others to perform corvée labor for one's own benefit, it had not yet been implemented.

The officials then dispersed to prepare to collect taxes, which was the most important task in the assessment and could not be taken lightly.

The fact that the official gave such a serious explanation shows how much importance he attaches to this matter.

The matter of the million-dollar sum is still far from over.

Song Xuan now has 100,000 strings of cash, and all the ministers in the court have their eyes on him.

They were trying to find a way to get the money out of Song Xuan.

After all, a seventh-rank county government office in Kaifeng County had quite a lot of salaries for its clerks and runners, and it even provided education for their children and other purposes.

As a result, Jia Changchao was also impeached. Instead of teaching at the Imperial Academy, he went to flatter Song Xuan. Over the years, he had never changed his habit of flattery.

Song Xuan was completely unfazed by these attacks.

It's unclear who instructed these censors.

They are not as useful as Emperor Renzong of Song in his later years, as their power has been increased.

Now they are mostly mouthpieces for others.

However, Jia Changchao was too popular, and even when he insulted people, he didn't expose their shortcomings like that.

After all, he only managed to get into the Song Dynasty's officialdom by flattering Emperor Zhenzong.

A person like him naturally incurred the contempt of the proper scholars who had passed the imperial examinations.

Of course, Jia Changchao was quite capable, but no one wanted to listen to his explanations; they just seized on his shortcomings and kept attacking him.

Why not say that I, Jia Changchao, am taking extra time to teach them? As for the sons of officials at the Imperial Academy, how many of them truly want to study for the imperial examinations?
They were all waiting for the imperial court to bestow official positions upon them.

It would be more meaningful for him to enlighten these children.

Song Xuan comforted Jia Changchao, telling him not to worry, that they were just jealous of him.

Jia Changchao felt comforted, since they didn't even have a chance to curry favor with anyone!

Yang Huaimin came specifically to inform Song Xuan that many people have been impeaching him recently, and he should go to the court tomorrow to explain himself.

Otherwise, it will be difficult to convince the public.

Song Xuan responded immediately.

I'll explain tomorrow, what else can I do?

Not a single penny of the money will be given away; he still has a use for it!
As for Jia Changchao, he is not yet qualified to attend court.

Attacking him was merely a pretext to make it easier to attack Song Xuan; it was just a way to test the waters.

This incident made Jia Changchao even more furious.

He vowed to climb step by step to the position of prime minister, and he wanted to show all those who looked down on him what he was capable of!

The next morning, Song Xuan dressed neatly and went directly to the gate of the imperial city.

It was getting cooler in the mornings and evenings, and the project was nearing completion.

Song Xuan pondered how much food he should give to each person, half-selling and half-giving it away, to ensure they didn't starve to death, but also to ensure they had enough to eat every day.

After all, even if Liu Congde sells his grain cheaply, there's still a limit to how much he can get.

After getting off the car, some officials noticed that Song Xuan, despite his young age, was dressed in a crimson robe and a gold belt.

It would be a joke not to feel envious or jealous.

We all came from the imperial examination system, so why is he dressed better than everyone else who has worked so hard for so many years at such a young age?
Although the Song Dynasty still had some officials to rely on, it had already begun to have an excessive number of officials.

There aren't that many positions available for you to keep getting promoted.

Song Xuan listened to Cao Liyong's greeting and heard some rumors, but he didn't care.

They're all just jealous of you, but we're scholars, and top scholars at that.

We must never beat Ma Jiliang like we did last time.

After all, he is a relative of the emperor, and you are all scholars who belong to the same group. There is no need for you to isolate yourselves.

When you become prime minister in the future, you will still need to employ these scholars.

Song Xuan nodded to indicate that he understood, but now that he was being impeached, he felt it wasn't worth trying to please these people.

When I become prime minister, who knows when that will be? How many of these people will be able to hold on until then?
Moreover, the principle that peace is achieved through struggle and perishes through compromise has always been deeply ingrained in his mind.

Therefore, Song Xuan held such things as seeking peace through compromise in utter contempt.

This wasn't the first time Song Xuan had attended the grand court assembly.

Knowing the place well, he leaned against the corner of the last row, next to his old mentor Fan Zhongyan.

Fan Zhongyan has been busy with government affairs lately, and he is quite helpless about the fact that the emperor sometimes goes to Song Xuan to govern.

However, he couldn't stop it, since the emperor was already quite powerful and it was perfectly normal for him to want to take control.

However, the Empress Dowager showed absolutely no sign of relinquishing power.

This worried Fan Zhongyan greatly, as he always felt that she harbored the same ambitions as Lü Wu.

She was in that position, clinging tightly to the Song Dynasty's power. Who wouldn't be worried?

But Fan Zhongyan was waiting for the right opportunity, waiting for the Empress Dowager to make a mistake so that he would have a pretext.

Otherwise, if the emperor were to bring this up before reaching adulthood, it would most likely be brushed off.

"Dean, what have you been busy with lately?"

"What can I possibly be busy with?" Fan Zhongyan sighed.

"I hope it won't be a wasted effort, and I'm still collecting examples of my ten-thousand-word letter to see if it's possible to promote its implementation throughout the world in the future."

"Isn't my example obvious enough?"

Song Xuan was appointed magistrate of Kaifeng County, a heavy responsibility that rested on his shoulders, thanks to Fan Zhongyan's lengthy memorial to the emperor.

"No, your case is an isolated incident."

Although Fan Zhongyan saw some examples of his own successful ten-thousand-word memorials in Song Xuan, he was a meticulous person.

Song Xuan is too outstanding, so he lacks universality.

There are only a handful of top scholars in the world who can achieve the highest honors in all three categories, and they are also quite shrewd in governing.

He not only deceived most of the people of Tokyo, but also the Liao envoys who were thousands of miles away.

Fan Zhongyan felt that Song Xuan could be used as a reference, but he should not be used as a complete reference.

Therefore, he also wrote letters to the other students of Yingtian Academy who became county magistrates or local officials, compiling various problems they encountered and their solutions.

"While this is true for individual cases, it still has reference value."

Fan Zhongyan nodded, then stroked his beard and said:
“I heard you’ve been impeached again, but I don’t know why. They’ve all kept quiet about it to me.”

"I haven't heard that you've made any mistakes recently!"

Do you know what happened?

"of course I know."

Song Xuan waved the imperial tablet in his hand:

"It's all about money."

"Is it because of money?" Fan Zhongyan was very puzzled: "You're not short of money, are you?"

"I certainly don't lack money."

Song Xuan smiled and said, "But there are people who can't stand to see me have money, Dean, you understand, right?"

"When one desires to surpass others, anger arises; when one is only concerned with self-interest, jealousy arises."

Fan Zhongyan commented:
"I think they're all incompetent at doing anything worthwhile, but they're adept at doing disgusting things. There are so many cronies in the court!"

Regarding the matter of factions, Song Xuan didn't comment, even though he did have one himself.

However, they are currently scattered in various places, and they are all small kami.

"Dean, be careful what you say."

Song Xuan coughed:
"They've come to attack me today. Don't speak, lest you get implicated and we're accused of being allies."

Fan Zhongyan was speechless, despite his advanced age.

But this was also his first time serving as an official in the capital, and he didn't have as much experience as Song Xuan.

"How shameless!" Fan Zhongyan muttered through gritted teeth.

"It's good to be shameless."

Song Xuan noticed someone was looking him over and smiled kindly, revealing his teeth.

"How many true gentlemen are there in the court today?"

Unfortunately, his smile did not win the approval of the others; instead, it strengthened their belief in impeaching him.

The arrow is already on the bowstring; how can it be stopped just like that?
With the arrival of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the eunuch announced the start of the court session.

It started with Prime Minister Wang Zeng and others reporting on government affairs and requesting the Empress Dowager's decision.

Things like impeachment are usually not brought up immediately; at the very least, they are hidden behind the main issues and mentioned incidentally.

After speaking for a long time, Wang Zeng finally began to point to many of the memorials:

"Your Majesty, these are all memorials impeaching Song Xuan, the magistrate of Kaifeng County."

Looking at the pile of impeachment memorials, Liu E realized that the last time there were so many was when Song Xuan failed to control the grain prices in the capital, causing them to skyrocket.

Not long after that incident, this happened again.

Now, who in the entire court doesn't know that Song Xuan is one of my men?

Empress Liu looked at the assembled officials. "Are there really people who dare to target him once or twice? Are they targeting me?"
(End of this chapter)