A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 441: Casting stones to ask for directions
"Does the title 'Madam' refer to the fact that Prefect Zhongli owns dozens of boats loaded with exotic flowers and strange rocks?"

"That's right." Liu E also found it unbelievable.

She subconsciously wondered what was so interesting about those strange rocks?

She genuinely didn't understand some of the refined tastes of the literati.

Liu E felt that most of these scholars were just pretentious and a few were self-absorbed, thinking that they could understand the ways of the world just by reading some books.

She deeply despises this kind of person.

Song Xuan nodded: "Indeed, a dispute arose because of this."

“Last year, I mediated the situation and found people from the carriage and horse transport company to transport Prefect Liu’s grain into the city to relieve the disaster victims.”

"The matter was thus resolved because the then Prefect Zhongli expressed his agreement, and it did not cause any major conflict."

Liu E listened to Song Xuan's words and was surprised to learn that there was such a secret.

She did understand that it was true that Zhong Lijin had acquired dozens of rare flowers and stones.

As for the bribery, Song Xuan knew nothing about it and didn't care.

Or rather, cracking down on "corruption" was simply not within Song Xuan's scope of responsibility.

This was what Liu E admired most about Song Xuan.

He never worries about things that aren't his concern.

"Since Twelve Lang has confirmed that this matter is true, what value would these broken stones have if given to the rest of the people?"

Liu E leaned back in her chair: "Even if we send it to Fanlou for auction, it won't fetch much of a price, will it?"

"What the lady says makes sense."

Song Xuan, understanding the implication, knew that Liu E did not want to deal with Zhong Lijin.

This auspicious object that can produce relics still has a use.

They finally managed to get promoted, only to have someone take their place again.

Does she still have any face left as the Empress Dowager?
As for Liu Sui and others, after successfully investigating and bringing down the maternal relative Wang Mengzheng, they still wanted to go further and kill the people promoted by the Empress Dowager.

Song Xuan felt that they were still too naive, or perhaps not naive, but rather testing the waters.

Anyway, he doesn't have much connection with the civil officials in the court now, since his father-in-law is a military general.

The civil officials were about to launch a new round of infighting, and Song Xuan was just watching from the sidelines to see whether the east wind would prevail over the west wind, or whether the west wind would continue to control the government.

Song Xuan readily agreed.

"This kind of thing is priceless when it meets the right person, but most people think that there's nothing interesting about a broken stone, and it's more comfortable to play with a piece of jade."

Liu E smiled and agreed with Song Xuan's words.

That makes sense.

It seems that Song Xuan simply doesn't like these pretentious and strange flowers and rocks.

So Liu E sent someone to bring over her gold necklace so that Song Sisi could put it on.

"I originally intended to give it to the Emperor, but he is too mischievous. Young Lady Song is very well-behaved, so let her wear it."

Song Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Zhao Zhen, with that kind of personality, is he really that mischievous?"
That's pure slander.

"Don't!"

Song Xuan quickly refused:

"Your Majesty, I am very grateful for your kindness, but this gold necklace is too heavy."

"I'm afraid it will strain my daughter's neck, and if she develops a forward head posture, it won't look good."

"Hahaha."

Liu E was amused by Song Xuan again.

Despite his usual calm demeanor, he becomes extremely concerned when it comes to his daughter, to the point that he speaks without thinking.

Who would complain that gold is too heavy and might break their daughter's neck?

Gold is something that most ordinary people cannot obtain, no matter how hard they try their entire lives.

But for these nobles of the Song Dynasty, it was readily available.

They would also ask the goldsmiths to create even more exquisite designs, and after wearing various gold items for a while, they would put them in a box to collect dust, and then they would prefer new designs of gold items.

Yang Huaimin's eyes kept darting around.

He didn't know why Song Xuan would refuse the Empress's kindness.

With this golden necklace bestowed by the Empress Dowager, who in the entire capital city would dare to gossip behind their back?
It is unacceptable to claim that Lady Song Yi is not the biological daughter of Scholar Song!
Yang Huaimin did not believe that Song Xuan was unaware of the underlying principles.

Song Sisi also shook her head, indicating that her father was right.

She was afraid that she would develop a forward head posture in the future, although she didn't know what that meant.

But she knew that her father would not harm her.

Liu E took back the gold necklace, and then got up to carefully search her jewelry box.

Yang Huaimin lowered his voice: "Scholar Song, accepting this will also benefit your daughter."

Song Xuan smiled and simply waved his hand, "It's too precious."

Yang Huaimin was certain that everyone else's eyes were practically popping out with envy.

In the end, Song Xuan refused. Where can you go to reason with him?

Liu E then took out a gold pendant.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, nobles would also prepare three gold items for their weddings.

Generally, these are gold rings, gold bracelets, and gold pendants.

This thing is a footrest at the lower end of the embroidered robe, belonging to women specially granted official titles.

Moreover, it features a dripping pattern and a combination of flowers for all four seasons.

Ordinary women wouldn't even have the lightest gold pendant, let alone the three gold pieces, when they get married.

"This thing is lightweight and looks nice, let's hang it up and play with it."

Liu E immediately instructed someone to prepare the red thread before personally putting it on Song Sisi.

"Thank you, Grandma."

"Good good."

Liu E was very satisfied and said to Song Xuan:
"When you have free time, you should bring your daughter to visit the palace more often."

Although Song Xuan was not satisfied with Liu E's practice of employing child laborers, he still thanked her verbally.

Yang Huaimin saw Song Xuan and his daughter off from the palace with utmost respect.

"Eunuch Yang, there's no need to see me off. I'd like to take my daughter for a stroll around Tokyo."

"Scholar Song, then I won't bother you any longer."

Yang Huaimin became even more respectful, watching Song Xuan leave.

He had never seen the Empress Dowager so affectionate towards a child.

Once they were a little away from Yang Huaimin, Song Sisi asked softly:
"Father, will we come often in the future?"

"We often fart."

Song Xuan hugged her and said:

"She even tried to steal my daughter!"

"What old woman? She's clearly the wolf in sheep's clothing!"

"The women in this palace are all mentally unstable. We should stay away from them from now on."

“I feel like talking to them too much will corrupt my daughter.”

Song Sisi hummed in agreement, wrapped her arms around Song Xuan's neck, and smiled.

She loved listening to her father tell her all sorts of bedtime stories, including Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

Although the old woman spoke gently, Song Sisi could sense that she disliked people getting close to her.

Children are quite sensitive when it comes to judging whether others like or dislike being close to them.

After leaving the palace, Song Sisi felt much more relaxed, and the sun shone brightly on her.

She didn't have a good feeling about the palace, even though it looked beautiful.

But everyone was very careful, afraid of upsetting the old woman.

Even his own father's smile was forced, not a genuine laugh.

She had seen what it looked like when her father was happy.

I should try to avoid this place in the future.

Song Xuan felt that Liu E seemed to be somewhat inclined to arrange a marriage.

That's absolutely not okay.

Now, he has no desire to get involved in the power struggles within the imperial court.

They just wanted to stir up this pool of water and make it increasingly murky.

Song Xuan carried the child inside and came out again, and the imperial guards on duty all saw it.

Cao Yuan also heard the rumors and confirmed them with his father.

Sure enough, my brother-in-law did have a biological daughter outside the marriage, but that woman was a widow.

So when he saw this, he didn't seem angry at all; on the contrary, he thought his brother-in-law was giving him face.

Knowing what's important and what's not.

He should wait until his sister is pregnant before bringing his concubine home.

"Brother-in-law, is this my niece?"

Cao Yuan stopped and said something during a break in his patrol.

"Sisi, this is your eldest uncle."

"Sisi greets her eldest uncle."

"Good good."

Cao Yuan, with a smile on his face, said:

"When we have dinner together at home later, your uncle will definitely prepare a gift to make you happy."

The little girl's features are so similar to Song Xuan's!

Cao Yuan was somewhat envious of Song Xuan, who could choose any woman he wanted, unlike him, who, as the eldest son, was forced into marriage.

Let alone taking a concubine, we can't even have that thought right now.

"Thank you, Uncle."

There were many people around at the time, so Song Xuan didn't linger.

"Brother, let's talk when we get home. I'm taking my daughter for a stroll around Tokyo first."

"Good good."

Although the palace's requirements weren't overly strict, and everyone was from a noble family, the proper attitude still had to be shown.

You haven't even learned much of your father's skills, but at least when facing the emperor, you should have the attitude to protect your family's wealth and status.

If you can't even do this properly, then you shouldn't be standing guard in the palace waiting to gain seniority.

After Song Xuan and his men left, Cao Yuan's subordinates began to speak:

"Song Zhuangyuan's daughter really looks like him."

"Yes, I've never seen such a beautiful young lady before."

“What do you know? This man who calls his father is good-looking, so his mother must be good-looking too. Scholar Song has good taste.”

"Yes, yes, otherwise how could he be the top scholar?"

Cao Yuan didn't take these words to heart; after all, they were brothers who ate from the same pot.

He was really looking forward to his sister giving birth to an even more handsome nephew.

He will then feel even more radiant.

These soldiers would only think that Song Xuan was capable, not that he had a child out of wedlock and had immoral thoughts.

When Liu E saw Yang Huaimin return, she asked, "You came back quickly?"

"Your Majesty, Scholar Song said there's no need to see him off. He wants to take his daughter to tour the capital city and then return to the county government office."

"Yes." Liu E nodded.

"How are Song Twelve's legs?"

"They're not walking too slowly."

"Oh?"

Liu E raised an eyebrow and snorted inwardly, but didn't dwell on the matter.

"Song Twelve is indeed an extremely intelligent person, and even his daughter shows signs of being a child prodigy at such a young age."

Yang Huaimin also remarked with considerable emotion:
"It's a pity it's not a boy."

Liu E glared at him, and Yang Huaimin immediately realized he had been too talkative, so he quickly lowered his head.

Luo Chongxun and Jiang Deming, who were standing nearby, exchanged a glance.

Yang Huaimin has been acting too arrogantly lately; he's the one who gathers all the news first and then tells the Empress Dowager.

He has completely forgotten about the two so-called "allies" who stood by him through thick and thin.

Now that he has made a mistake, who wouldn't be secretly pleased?

Among the eunuchs, there were very few people they could truly confide in.

However, because of the Tang Dynasty eunuchs' practice of deposing and installing emperors, the emperors of the Song Dynasty suppressed their power.

Currently, Empress Liu is in power, and she likes these people to run errands for her, so there are signs that the power of the eunuchs is expanding.

"Your Majesty, I believe that women are not necessarily weaker than men."

Luo Chongxun immediately pretended to offer Yang Huaimin a ladder, saying, "Eunuch Yang, you still underestimated Miss Song Yi."

"Yes, judging from Miss Song's performance just now, even ordinary men don't have such a generous and confident aura."

Jiang Deming followed immediately.

Liu E nodded, then looked at Madam Lin, whose son had not yet been found:

"Lin Rong, you've raised a daughter, what do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I am not as poised and graceful as Lady Song. She used to be very timid when she saw Your Majesty."

Liu E did remember this incident, so she rarely had contact with children afterward.

But the moment she saw Song Sisi, she felt that this little girl was really well raised.

Song Twelve must have put in a lot of effort.

Even without feeling any disgust, Liu E felt that this child was different from ordinary people, which is why she was temporarily delighted and wanted to reward the child with something.

However, Song Xuan was terrified that his daughter would be kidnapped by someone else.

Liu E had never given birth, and the infants and children she came into contact with were noisy, crying, and impossible to communicate with.

She also has a natural aversion to children.

Perhaps it was love that turned into hate!

In order to become empress, she tried every means to have a child with the late emperor, but unfortunately, she failed to succeed despite her efforts.

In the end, she was able to become empress only through surrogacy.

After that, having children became a thorn in her side, and she could no longer like Zhao Zhen.

Now Liu E understood that what she disliked was the kind of stupid child.

Everyone likes someone who is clever and quick-witted.

Empress Liu sent Liu Sui's memorial impeaching Zhongli Jin to the Kaifeng Prefecture and instructed Luo Chongxun to inform her of her discussion with Song Twelve regarding the matter.

"The appeal of rare flowers and stones lies in their 'uniqueness,' what money could they possibly be worth?"

Zhong Lijin was satisfied with Song Xuan's answer. This was a kind of refined taste, and it couldn't be measured by money.

Buddhism emphasizes the concept of karma.

When fate brings you together, money doesn't matter.

Zhong Lijin is not the kind of person who cares about money.

He has just taken office as the Prefect of Kaifeng, and people are already causing him trouble.

It's unclear whether Chen Yaozuo was unhappy or if someone else was eyeing his position.

Zhong Lijin still politely handed Luo Chongxun a gold leaf: "Thank you for making the special trip, Luo Gongshen."

Luo Chongxun repeatedly declined, but then put it into his sleeve.

Although Zhong Lijin is not good with words, she is still capable of getting things done.

"I will truthfully inform the Empress Dowager of what Prefect Zhongli said."

"Thank you for your hard work, Luo."

Zhongli Jin then spoke up, "I wonder if Lord Luo is interested in unusual stones?"

He started his deceptive tactics again, saying things like it's good for your health and that it's been nourished by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth for thousands of years.

This rhetoric, while not technically a pyramid scheme, still has a significant market appeal.

Although Luo Chongxun only entered the palace as a court official in the early years of the Tiansheng era, he was extremely lucky and surpassed others, gaining the favor of Empress Liu.

Otherwise, how could a young eunuch like him be ranked alongside Yang Huaimin, Jiang Deming, and other people who served Emperor Zhenzong?

It can be said that since he entered the palace, he has hardly ever been a lowly servant.

However, after his crime was discovered, he was humiliated by Cao, and Luo Chongxun harbored resentment ever since.

However, he was prepared for the second mistake he made, which would have put him in Cao Yongli's hands.

Unexpectedly, Cao Liyong was merely putting on an act for outsiders and did not reprimand him.

Although Luo Chongxun was grateful at the time, he still felt somewhat uneasy.

Because Yang Huaimin was close to Song Xuan, he was highly regarded by the Empress Dowager.

Luo Chongxun felt even more uneasy.

Since they've all become eunuchs anyway, who wouldn't want to be the Empress's favorite?

So he tentatively asked:

"Prefect Zhongli, you are also aware that Madam Lin's son has not returned, are you?"

"I know, how could I not know?"

Zhong Lijin sighed:
“When I was the prefectural judge, I investigated this matter, but I couldn’t find any information. I couldn’t even see those thieves from Wuyou Cave who were arrested by Magistrate Song.”

"The Empress Dowager has also inquired about this matter, after all, Madam Lin is someone close to her."

Luo Chongxun tapped the table lightly:

"Prefect Zhongli still needs to work harder, so that I can put in a good word for you with the Empress Dowager."

"If the matter of Wuyou Cave is completely resolved, then the impeachments by Liu Sui and others will be nothing but a fart."

"Yeah."

Zhong Lijin nodded repeatedly. He used to be a prefectural judge and could not directly command Song Xuan.

But now that he is the Prefect of Kaifeng, it is perfectly legitimate for him to have Song Xuan do this.

The two chatted for a while longer. Just as Zhong Lijin was about to end the conversation and see him off, Luo Chongxun spoke up again:

"I wonder if Prefect Zhongli has heard any rumors these past few days?"

"The sound of the wind?"

Zhong Lijin was quite pleased with himself after becoming the Prefect of Kaifeng, and he only just learned that he had been impeached.

"What's the news?"

Luo Chongxun had already lifted his buttocks, but seeing that he didn't know, he sat down again: "Naturally, it's just some rumors about Scholar Song."

“I remember he took sick leave and didn’t go to work.”

Seeing that Zhong Lijin's demeanor seemed genuine, Luo Chongxun was somewhat puzzled; almost everyone in the entire city of Tokyo knew about it.

He sits in this Kaifeng government office, and not a single one or two trusted confidants talk to him?

It's still too early for anyone in the government office to show him any goodwill or offer him any information!
Luo Chongxun was able to gain Liu E's favor, so he was certainly not a fool; on the contrary, he was a man of deep thoughts.

In the palace, fools were eliminated long ago; those who remained, while not necessarily shrewd, all had their own ways of surviving.

Luo Chongxun doubted whether such a person could hold the position of Prefect of Kaifeng for long.
If I really wanted to compete with Yang Huaimin, I'd probably have to find an opportunity to go to Xiangfu County to seek out the Great Tai Sui of the Song Dynasty.

Zhong Lijin, is he really a hopeless case?
"It was during the time that Song Zhuangyuan was ill that he suddenly had a daughter."

"Oh, it's nothing." Zhong Lijin felt that it was perfectly normal for Song Xuan to have a daughter after being married for so long.

He then realized he had misspoke: "This is a good thing!"

Luo Chongxun, having discerned that he genuinely didn't know, could only offer further reminders:
"This daughter is three or four years old, and she was born to the wife of our enemy."

"what?"

Zhong Lijin jumped up immediately:
"Could it be that Song Xuan slept with the Chen brothers' wives?"

Now it was Luo Chongxun's turn to be dumbfounded.

Although the Chen brothers' wives had remarried, they were more than capable of being Song Xuan's mothers.

Besides, could the top scholar of the Song Dynasty have formed a feud with the Chen brothers three or four years ago?

What is Zhongli Jin thinking?!

Upon seeing Luo Chongxun's expression, Zhong Lijin realized that she had said the wrong thing; she had spoken too quickly without thinking.

"Could it be Ma Jiliang and Wang Mengzheng, the Empress Dowager's in-laws? No, their wives are getting old, so it must be Wang Qixiong!"

Zhong Lijin was once again pleased with her quick wit; thankfully, she had a fast mind.

Apart from these people, Song Xuan had no enemies with anyone else.

As for those censors who resigned voluntarily, some of them were still not qualified.

Luo Chongxun was both amused and exasperated by Zhong Lijin's reasoning.

He felt that Madam Lin's son was unlikely to be found in his hands, and that Madam Lin should give up as soon as possible.

Not only was he unable to obtain information in a timely manner, but he also lacked the support of the people in the Kaifeng government office, which was the biggest problem.

What use is it for Guang to serve as the Prefect of Kaifeng?

If it cannot be improved further, it will also be outsourced in the future.

"No." Luo Chongxun gestured for Zhongli Jin to calm down: "Have you heard of Dou Chou's reputation, Zhongli Tongpan?"

"Of course I've heard of it."

Luo Chongxun then recounted this secret matter, leaving Zhong Lijin dumbfounded.

"Song Twelve has quite the courage!"

Luo Chongxun rolled his eyes; he didn't want to hear any praise for Song Xuan.

"This shows that Gu Ziming's death has nothing to do with Song Shier, which is why he dared to do this."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Zhongli Jin stroked his beard and exclaimed in admiration:

"Judging from Song Twelve's temperament, he can be described as a great philanthropist."

"He could even personally take care of the wives and daughters of his enemies, let alone those who followed him, which shows how broad-minded he was."

Luo Chongxun gave a forced smile and echoed, "Yes."

Zhong Lijin then turned her head:
"The people of Dongjing City all praise Song Twelve. I used to think that he was just showing off because of the Empress Dowager's protection, but now it seems that he really has charm worth talking about."

Luo Chongxun even wondered why Zhong Lijin's mind kept going up and down.

He could see through others so well, yet he couldn't understand them at all.

Song Xuan's daughter looks like his own flesh and blood. Who knows, Song Xuan might have gotten his hands on her before Gu Zimo died!
So Luo Chongxun politely mentioned the matter of Wuyou Cave.

He then took his leave.

If he wanted to claim credit, he had to suppress Song Xuan and prevent Yang Huaimin from making any contact with him.

Let Zhongli Jin, Song Xuan's immediate superior, test him first, and hopefully get all the credit that belongs to Song Xuan to Song Xuan himself.

Zhong Lijin was still impressed by Song Xuan's magnanimity, which could now be put to good use!
The credit for wiping out Wuyou Cave should go to Song Xuan, while the credit for my decisive command will undoubtedly go to me.

So he decided to make a personal trip to have a detailed talk with his subordinate, Song Xuan.

As for gossip about men and women, Zhong Lijin didn't care.

Because many noble families in the Song Dynasty would arrange maids for their offspring, so even if children were born, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Therefore, nothing is more tangible than political achievements.

Despite some rumors, the fact that the people saw Song Xuan strolling happily with his daughter on the streets of Tokyo only fueled more speculation.

The longer Hai Shang Chi San stayed in Tokyo, the more he felt that his actions of keeping Song Xuan's words in mind were absolutely correct.

He wanted to go find Song Xuan, but unfortunately, Master Song only worked half a day and had to go home to be with his daughter in the afternoon.

This morning, Chi San arrived at the county government office and found that Master Song was not there.

Based on his experience, Qi Lecheng told him that perhaps the master suddenly had other matters to attend to, and that he should come again tomorrow.

As Chi San strolled along the street, he saw a huge crowd of people.

I heard that inside were the Song Dynasty's top scholar and his daughter, and there were constables surrounding them, preventing people from getting close.

He squeezed in as well, wanting to confirm if it was Master Song.

Chi San spotted the long-awaited Master Song, who was strolling around the stall with his child in his arms.

The stall owner, on the other hand, was making a strong recommendation, hoping that Master Song's daughter would buy an item.

Because according to Master Song's habits, if you don't ask for money, he'll definitely not take it this time, and he'll even avoid your stall next time.

Since Master Song became the magistrate of Kaifeng County, even the county yamen runners who used to take advantage of others have stopped daring to pay for things themselves.

They are extremely "friendly" to these vendors, and there's even a tax refund process.

Although there may not be any this year, it's all thanks to the kindness of Master Song!

Last time, I missed out on riding the wave of popularity surrounding the food, drinks, and products that everyone praised from Song Zhuangyuan.

This time, the daughter of the top scholar Song used the trending topic and everyone said it was popular. He can also catch up with it and it will definitely cause a sensation, and his business will naturally flourish.

The peddler's shelves were fully stocked with toys, farm tools, food and other daily necessities.

It can be said to be the top item on the must-buy list for the people of the Song Dynasty.

Song Sisi had met the peddler before.

These peddlers are the most attractive to children.

The various items were displayed like a department store.

She had just never seen so many different kinds of goods.

Song Sisi didn't care about the food; Uncle Jiao thought the food and snacks at home were much better than what she could eat outside.

She eventually chose a small windmill and held it in her hand. Song Xuan also chose one and gestured for Wang Bao to count the money.

The peddler thanked him profusely. After Song Xuan left with the child, he began to beat a rattle drum and sing songs about how windmills were good goods and how even the top scholar Song was willing to play with them.

Peddlers singing their wares were very common.

Song Xuan heard the tune before he had gone far, and he gestured to Wang Bao to give him a few coins as a reward.

Wang Bao then placed the copper coins on his goods:
"Master Song said you sang well and rewarded you."

Upon hearing this, the peddler quickly thanked him and began to make up new words.

They developed this skill for the sake of making a living.

It is actually the source of a type of folk ballad that was popularized by beggars during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This kind of thing can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, but it wasn't necessarily started by beggars.

These peddlers travel from street to street and even to the countryside. To sell their goods, they have to come up with a set of phrases to praise their wares in various ways and attract customers.

If you don't sing or shout, how will anyone know what you're selling?
Song Xuan strolled back to the county government office with his daughter.

Everyone rushed forward to greet him, eager to see Master Song's daughter.

There are all sorts of rumors circulating about this in Tokyo, and everyone's just watching the drama unfold, but no one dares to ask them directly.

Looking at these people, Song Sisi saw only smiling faces everywhere she looked.

She began to understand that these people held lower official positions than her father, while the old woman who also lived in the palace held a higher official position.

As for Zhao Zhen, he had already gone from Yuqing Palace to the county government office to help with government affairs.

Zhang Fangping was also there; this was Song Xuan's way of letting him get used to things beforehand.

In any case, during the preparations before going to the Khitan, he delegated authority over the administrative affairs of Kaifeng County.

Nowadays, whether it's repairing rivers, providing disaster relief, maintaining public order, or collecting taxes, there are dedicated personnel to handle everything.

Everything proceeded smoothly without any major incidents.

Nowadays, Kaifeng County is not exactly well-governed, but at least no one dares to cause trouble anymore.

Besides looking at some account books, Zhang Fangping also consulted with the officials, since they were all the same age.

Zhao Zhen was also willing to communicate more with the third-ranked scholar, because no matter what, he was someone he would need in the future.

It's perfectly normal for both sides to deepen their relationship.

"Twelfth brother."

The two called out in unison, and Song Xuan put down his daughter: "I was summoned by the Empress Dowager, so I'm late today."

Wang Bao started laying out carpets and toys again, and servants would wipe these things clean once or twice a day.

Song Sisi greeted the two of them while holding a windmill in her hand.

Zhang Fangping now hopes to have a daughter.

Emperor Zhao Zhen did hope to have a son, as it would greatly stabilize the empire.

Song Xuan leaned against the armchair, blowing the windmill.

"Twelfth Brother, what does the Empress Dowager want with you?" Zhao Zhen asked, somewhat curious.

"I reckon he heard some gossip and wants to see my daughter, and even tries to take her away from me."

Song Xuan got a little angry when this was mentioned: "I think she's getting senile."

Zhang Fangping didn't care.

Twelfth Brother never hid his emotions much from him, and besides, what parent could tolerate having their child snatched away?

"Huh?" Zhao Zhen exclaimed in surprise, "How could this be!"

"I'll try to visit the palace less often in the future."

Song Xuan put the windmill in his hand aside:
“My daughter will not go to the palace. It would be pointless to have her humanity destroyed. What would be the point of her life?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen, no matter how surprised he was, finally understood.

Could it be that the First Madam intended to arrange a marriage, and the Twelfth Brother discovered this?
"good."

Zhang Fangping also expressed his approval.

How can we, who are proper graduates of the imperial examinations, occupy a political niche as relatives of the emperor?

That would be an insult to myself!

Only military generals and incompetent officials would send their daughters into the palace hoping to gain the emperor's favor and thus secure a meteoric rise in their careers.

He despised this behavior.

Zhao Zhen glanced at Song Sisi, who blinked blankly, not understanding their conversation, and sighed.
"Twelfth Brother is right. There's really nothing to do in the palace. It's even difficult to go out for a stroll."

"It's just a caged bird."

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice:

“Especially those palace maids who are young and useless when they get old, so they are directly expelled.”

"If the emperor's women are not favored, they will be bullied and humiliated. Whether they are palace maids or eunuchs, they may even have to live in the cold palace."

"This life will only end in searching, loneliness, and misery."

"Twelfth Brother, this is going too far, too far."

Zhao Zhen wanted to retort.

He felt that his father doted on the current empress dowager.

From her youth to old age, she has remained almost unchanged; otherwise, Empress Liu would not have wielded such power.

"No need to argue, I don't want to hear about this."

Song Xuan was very dissatisfied with Liu E's attitude. She had relapsed into her old ways and started to make excuses about her family background and to arrange various connections for herself.

"Ok."

Zhao Zhen shut up again and didn't argue about the topic. Sometimes he really couldn't understand the Empress Dowager's actions.

"Twelfth Brother, after the Khitans arrive, I will perform this act in the court and then take the opportunity to offer sacrifices at the imperial tombs."

"This is an excellent opportunity," Song Xuan added.
"Sixth Brother, you may no longer have the Empress's spies around you, but you will definitely have the First Lady's spies, and more than one."

"Even when you arrive at the imperial mausoleum, do not get too excited, lest you give yourself away."

"it is good."

Zhao Zhen responded.

Zhang Fangping was aware of this matter, but he felt that the emperor was not someone who could control his emotions.

We can only hope that he won't be too obvious, and that he can come up with a plausible excuse.

"I have a feeling that the imperial court is about to descend into chaos."

Song Xuan then brought up the matter of Liu Sui impeaching Zhongli Jin, the Prefect of Kaifeng.

He suspected this might just be a test.

Zhong Lijin is an official recently appointed by the Empress Dowager herself.

Furthermore, he really has something to hide and has given people ammunition against him. If we don't use him to break through, who else should we use to target him?
Song Xuan has almost completely eliminated the troublesome in-laws of the Empress Dowager in the court.

There are no easy people to start a group now.

They naturally began to target the civil officials in the Empress Dowager's faction.

Political struggle, to put it bluntly, is about vying for power and gaining more influence for one's own small group.

The emperor is no longer important; what matters is who can seize control of the emperor's discourse.

As the three were talking, Qi Lecheng, standing outside, spoke up:

“My lord, there is a merchant who calls himself Ike Saburo and requests an audience. You have written a note for him.”

"Oh, he hasn't left yet."

Song Xuan nodded and said, "Call him in."

"Here."

Song Xuan quickly explained to Zhao Zhen that problems were bound to arise when going to the Khitan, so he planned to have the merchant take the two short routes to Japan and Korea for the next two years.

Perhaps he could use it when he was in Khitan.

"Twelfth Brother is the most thoughtful."

Zhao Zhen praised it.

After entering, Chi San bowed directly without daring to look at the others.

Song Xuan asked him to sit down, and Chi San then nodded and bowed to Zhang Fangping and Zhao Zhen.

After all, Song Xuan didn't introduce him, but he should be a trusted person close to Song, and one of them was even wearing official robes.

How was your deal?

"Thanks to your great fortune, sir." Chi San's smile was genuine.

"This time, through the auction at Fanlou, I made a profit that was 30% higher than before."

Although he had little seafood, he was still exploited by various guilds in Tokyo, and his sources of information were blocked.

He's just lucky to have sold it for such a high price.

Now that there is a professional auction channel like Fanlou, many of the items are not available in the Central Plains, so they can naturally fetch high prices.

"A 30% increase is not bad."

Song Xuan nodded slightly: "What are your plans?"

Upon hearing this, Chi San immediately began to express his determination:
“I am willing to follow the lead of Lord Song and will obey his every command.”

He had practiced this sentence many times and even consulted others on how to say it so that it would resonate with the hearts of scholars.

Chi San heard from others that this was a letter written by Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, to Ren Shaoqing (An), and that it was extremely scholarly.

If he were to say it himself, a learned man like Master Song would be extremely pleased to hear it.

"From now on, I, Chi San, can also reach the pinnacle of my life!"

He truly experienced the convenience that power brings.

Chi San didn't want to let this hard-won opportunity slip away, so he naturally wanted to curry favor with Song Xuan.

Just from the fact that he had won the top scholar title in the imperial examinations, he knew that Master Song's future was bound to be glorious.

Song Xuan was not overly pleased upon hearing this.

On the contrary, I felt that it was not so auspicious for Ren An to be killed.

Moreover, it was written by Sima Qian after Ren An's death.

However, Song Xuan also knew that Chi Sanlang was not very educated and might not have heard it from somewhere.

"Ike Saburo, you flatter me."

Song Xuan gestured for Chi San to get up:

"I don't have many demands on you. I just want you to do short-distance trading in Japan and Korea for the next two years. Is that a problem?"

"no problem."

Chi San readily agreed.

As for the fact that this waterway is occupied by others, they have to pay protection money.

He felt it was worth it.

Now that Chi Sanqian has accumulated a considerable amount of money, his pursuit is no longer money, but power!
If this condition allowed him to easily curry favor with Song Xuan, he couldn't be happier.

Then, Chi Sanlang looked at Song Xuan expectantly without getting up:

"May I ask, sir, do you have any other requests?"

"That's all." Song Xuan shook his head slightly.
"I just feel that Goryeo has sent spies, and I want to see what their intentions are. But it would be too obvious for you to simply go to Goryeo to do business. You should also go to Japan to cover up your purpose."

"Understood." Ike Saburo quickly assured him:

"Don't worry, my lord. I have translators who are familiar with Korean. I will also learn and gather information for you as soon as possible."

"There's no need for elaborate preparations; that would be fake. You just need to do business normally and make a profit. Remembering what you see and hear is enough."

"Understood, I understand."

Chi San felt that Song Xuan definitely didn't have such a plan, but it wasn't appropriate to say it out loud at the moment.

His idea was to do as Song Xuan instructed first to prove that he was a trustworthy person.

After the evaluation, they will definitely be given important responsibilities.

Chi San had met these officials before; how could they possibly be completely honest with you from the start?
Each of them considers whether you are obedient and whether you can be used by them.

The same applies to honing newcomers in officialdom.

They are all path-dependent and belong to the category of "yes".

"Get up and sit down quickly."

Chi San still had half of his buttocks resting on the chair.

He greeted Zhang Fangping and Zhao Zhen, two seniors who had long been integrated into the circle, believing that he would also become a member of this circle in the future.

It can also gain a firm foothold and rise rapidly.

But those maritime merchants simply didn't have that opportunity.

Zhao Zhen became interested and quickly inquired about the trade.

Chi San answered each question in turn.

When Zhao Zhen heard that there were people covered in black hair and possessing immense strength, his eyes widened. He knew about the Kunlun slaves.

But I've never even heard of a "chimpanzee".

While their judgment of the chimpanzee as a human was a misjudgment, it was also understandable.

The foreigners speak a language they can't understand, and they can't understand what the chimpanzees are saying either.

After all, there were plenty of unclothed savages in this era, and they had seen them all.

Zhang Fangping listened with great interest, as these were mostly "stories" not recorded in books.

Although he felt that human descriptions might contain errors, it was still a way to broaden one's horizons.

The extent to which news flowed in ancient times was not as smooth as people today can imagine.

(End of this chapter)