A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 443 The Great Operation to Pollute the Khitan (Bonus Chapter of 2 Words, Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Song Xuan's instructions were quickly carried out.

Liu Suina was also a scholar, and he cared about his reputation.

He couldn't refuse Song Xuan's "kind offer"!
If no one asks, he has no face to complain.

After all, their relationship wasn't that close yet.

As a result, Liu Sui's face turned sour.

Having failed to gain any advantage from Empress Liu, he then attempted to do so by trying to gain an advantage from Song Xuan, an even younger official.

To be honest, they underestimated Song Xuan and wanted to use their experience in officialdom to "bully" him.

Song Xuan didn't give him that face at all.

If it weren't for his consistent adherence to the official principle of not easily making enemies, he wouldn't have even met Liu Sui.

The officialdom is full of ups and downs, and who knows if he will come back in the future, especially since Liu Sui is now in a "down-and-out" situation.

Song Xuan offered timely help by specially inviting actors to cheer him up, which was quite a gesture of respect.

Liu Sui opened his mouth, but then felt that he was really shooting himself in the foot, so he didn't refuse in the end.

Otherwise, it would be too deliberate and wouldn't look beautiful.

Song Xuan wouldn't openly invite actors to play during his shifts; he rarely did things that would give others cause for criticism.

Wang Bao brought the person over while they were eating.

Song Xuan pointed to the three sets of bowls and chopsticks beside him:

"Sit down and eat together."

Wang Bao was already used to it, while the two actors were somewhat hesitant.

"Now that you've finished eating, give it your all."

Song Xuan asked them to sit down.

The two of them then thanked each other profusely and started eating together with their bowls and chopsticks.

Song Da Guanren's temperament made them feel much better.

After all, Song Taisui was well-known, and these actors were still somewhat apprehensive about getting close to him.

Looking at it now, Song Taisui and his wife are actually quite approachable.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so quick to stand up for the people.

The actor was determined to put in his best effort later, especially since the food tasted really good.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Song Xuan said that the students at the county government's private school had recently given positive feedback on their studies.

So he planned to invite two people to perform for them as a reward to relax them and encourage their desire to study hard.

Of course, since Liu Sijian was in a bad mood, he could also take a look in the student group.

Upon hearing Song Xuan's arrangement, the two actors patted their chests and assured him that they would not disappoint Master Song.

So Jia Changchao, somewhat bewildered, announced that everyone should bring their stools and come out to watch the performance after dinner.

At this time, the platform in the backyard of the Kaifeng County Government Office had been set up, and many students were able to attend. Although their families were now in better financial condition than before, the platform was still in use.

However, there are still very few entertainment activities; most people just play some free games with their friends.

It's very difficult to squeeze into the tile.

Song Xuan stood on the platform and explained the whole story to the students, hoping that they would continue to work hard.

At this time, they invited people from the entertainment district to put on a performance, and Song Xuan also mentioned rewards for them.

The group of elementary school students were naturally very excited, and they all said things like they would work harder in the future.

Song Xuan and his daughter sat in the back watching, clapping their hands with uncontrollable laughter.

As for Liu Sui, although the two actors were working very hard, the laughter from the people in the backyard was deafening.

But his smile looked forced.

After the performance, Song Xuan instructed Qian Gansan to settle the performance fee and reward money with the two men.

Liu Sui was tired from laughing, and since Song Xuan needed to put his daughter to sleep, he didn't want to disturb her, so he said goodbye and left.

After Liu Sui left, Song Xuan saw that his daughter was asleep, and then tiptoed out, extending his arms.

"Twelfth Brother, is there something wrong with this Liu Sui?"

"He has public-spiritedness and selfish motives, but neither of them have anything to do with me. He's not qualified to use me as a tool."

Zhang Fangping couldn't help but click his tongue:
"Twelfth Brother, you're a master at playing dumb."

"Brother, you should learn from this. When you temporarily take over as the magistrate of Kaifeng County, there will be many times when you will need to play dumb."

"These seasoned officials are really good at scheming."

In his youthful ignorance, Song Xuan had once criticized Section Chief Ma for being a lazy and incompetent official. Now, he realized that Ma was truly capable and able to escape from a dead end.

Liu was sent as an envoy to the Khitan, but due to a foot ailment, he declined the honor.

Upon his return, he was impeached by the authorities, stripped of one official post, and sent to govern Xinzhou.

In the capital, news of many things cannot be easily concealed.

Moreover, Liu E had no intention of helping Liu Sui cover up the truth; rather, she was using this as a warning to others, to see who else would dare to come out.

There are always many well-informed people who are able to get all kinds of information before others.

"really."

Zhang Fangping nodded repeatedly, indicating that he had learned something.

So this is the benefit of not taking responsibility for other people's karma!

If he doesn't say, then I'll pretend I don't know.

Why should I have to understand his hints and then actively help him with his tasks?
Who does he think he is?!
Even if you hadn't spoken, I would still have to consider whether or not to help.

Song Xuan waited for his daughter to wake up and come home, and then received messages from Song Xiang and Ziyuan, the abbot of Daxiangguo Temple.

Both of them were talking about how Zhongli Jin, the prefect of Kaifeng, had come to see them, and their conversations were all about dealing with Song Xuan.

Song Xuan was not surprised at all that Song Xiang had taken the initiative to inform him, and that the two sides had coordinated to achieve political success.

Only through mutual benefit can we go further.

Especially since the boss is a fool like Zhong Lijin.

Who would listen to him?

Zhongli Jin doesn't have the same power as Empress Liu E. If you disobey the king's orders, he'll kick you out of the central government immediately.

Just honestly recognize your place and be a mascot.

What I fear most is a fool trying to do something.

Even the most ruthless person who can fight his way through the imperial examinations wouldn't be able to win first place if he wasn't clear-headed and just studied blindly.

How can one succeed in officialdom if one has no flexibility whatsoever?

Song Xuan wrote a letter to Song Xiang.

After saying a few words, Zhong Lijin tried to shirk the special task that the Empress Dowager had given him.

How can this be done?
Isn't that helping him deceive the old lady?
That's all I have to say. Everything that needed to be said has been said in the letter. As for what shouldn't be said, you'll understand once you see this reply.

This letter, both logically and emotionally, did not reveal any major flaws. If it were intercepted, it would be considered normal correspondence, at most a complaint about the boss not doing his job.

Song Xuan explained the situation and sent his own men to deliver the message.

He believed that Song Xiang, with his intelligence, would understand.

As for the junior monks of Daxiangguo Temple...

Song Xuan had not expected that Abbot Ziyuan would secretly send someone to inform him.

He didn't think that the vested interests of Daxiangguo Temple, apart from Kaibao Temple, would like his actions.

These people are not masochists.

However, Song Xuan felt that he had already succeeded in breaking up the four major temples in Tokyo and preventing them from uniting.

As for the rest, Daxiangguo Temple is currently irreplaceable.

The government collects a lot of commercial taxes from it every month.

So Song Xuan thought for a while before telling the young monk that he understood, and offered him a cup of tea to rest his feet.

Song Xuan did not criticize those who tentatively pledged allegiance too harshly.

Instead, after confirming that the young monk could fully repeat what he had said, he said that after my daughter woke up, we would go for a walk around the Xiangguo Temple.

Anyway, it's understandable that there are a few monks in the mission.

There was an exchange of Buddhist teachings between the Song and Liao dynasties.

Song Xuan heard that Buddhism was highly revered in the Liao Kingdom, and temples were being built everywhere.

It's a good opportunity to go over and give them some pointers (or criticism), so that the Khitans will spend more money on Buddhist rituals and put in a lot of effort to improve them, hoping to get a slap in the face back.

The Song Dynasty spent countless sums of money on the Eastern Feng and Western Sacrifices, and the Khitans always learned from the Central Plains dynasties.

How could we not learn from the past the practice of spending money to please the emperor?
The older one gets, the more afraid of death one becomes; this is something not everyone can avoid, especially emperors.

Even highly capable emperors like Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, and Emperor Taizong of Tang resorted to consuming elixirs of immortality, and the emperors of the Khitan were no exception.

Upon receiving Song Xuan's instructions, the young monk quickly stood up and hurriedly left.

He needed to inform the abbot of such important news as soon as possible.

After all, Master Song took his daughter to "pray for blessings".

How could the temple not make preparations well in advance?

"Fang Ping, you should come with me later. We might need these monks in the future."

"it is good."

Zhang Fangping responded.

When Abbot Ziyuan of Daxiangguo Temple saw the young monk he had sent return in a hurry, his heart clenched with anxiety.

Last time, Master Song was very unhappy with his opportunistic attitude and even made a point of distinguishing between them in his propaganda.

When Ziyuan heard that Song Xuan would be bringing his daughter, he obviously couldn't believe it.

"Did he really say that?"

"With Buddha before me, I dare not deceive."

"Good good."

Ziyuan nodded repeatedly:

"Go immediately and tell them to make the vegetarian meal better, and the roast pork must be the best, so that the children don't feel sick of it."

The best roast pork in the entire city of Tokyo is undoubtedly the roast pork at the Daishokoku-ji Temple.

It used to be called the Pig Roasting Yard, which was simple and straightforward.

It was popular among the common people and the scholar-official class.

It was the late child prodigy Yang Yi who felt the name was inappropriate and changed it.

Ziyuan knew that Song Xuan had taken his classmates to freeload at vegetarian meals in his hometown, and many of them had become Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in one fell swoop.

Today, the incense at Lingtai Temple in his hometown is becoming more and more prosperous!

Who wouldn't envy it?

As for the inns in Tokyo, they are places where someone who has passed the imperial examination can stay.

From then on, his room will inevitably be rented out at the price of a top scholar's room, and it will be extremely sought after, with high prices and hard to come by.

What I'm seeking is peace of mind and a better outcome.

As for why you stayed in the top scholar's room but didn't pass the exam, that means you're incompetent and you've just polluted the environment of this room for nothing. I won't rent it to you next time.

Unfortunately, after Song Xuan and the other students from Yingtian Academy arrived in Tokyo, they did not stay at any inns.

This truly caused many innkeepers to sigh in secret, having missed a tremendous opportunity.

Ziyuan felt that if Song Xuan could leave some calligraphy for Daxiangguo Temple, the relationship between the two sides would be eased, which would be a very good thing for the temple.

"Abbot, shall we ask Master Huiming to personally intervene?"

"Yes, yes, let's ask him to treat us to a meal."

Ziyuan spoke again:

"Everyone go and clean the temple, make sure it's not too dusty, and also sprinkle water to clean the streets. Hurry, hurry, get to work."

"I will go and inform my fellow disciples right away."

Abbot Ziyuan immediately consulted his elderly master to inquire about Song Xuan's purpose in coming here.

The entire Daxiangguo Temple became busy again because of Song Xuan's arrival.

Cleaning is a form of training for these monks, but they never expected that they would have to clean a second time after doing it once.

Many people inevitably harbor some resentment.

This is normal. Daxiangguo Temple is very commercialized. How could these monks possibly calm down and practice Buddhism?

Those who truly possess this kind of perseverance would have long been packaged by temples and presented as enlightened monks.

The level of commercialization in the Song Dynasty was quite high.

Ziyuan didn't have to wait too long.

Song Xuan, along with his daughter and guards, arrived at the Daxiangguo Temple.

Abbot Ziyuan and his entourage came to greet them personally.

Regardless of the circumstances, the security of Daxiangguo Temple was under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng County.

There is no such thing as a place where monks live outside the secular world and are not subject to government control. Even you, a monk, are strictly subject to government management.

No matter what your religious beliefs are, you have to bow down to power.

Otherwise, we'll revoke your ordination certificate, and you won't even be able to remain a monk and chant scriptures.

Unless you run off to the mountains to become a wild monk, where wolves roam and tigers occasionally pass by, you'd be lucky to survive.

In the Song Dynasty, let alone killing a tiger, one would be hailed as a hero by the government. Even killing dangerous animals like wolves or crocodiles would be rewarded by the government.

Especially now that the Song Dynasty is becoming increasingly strict in issuing ordination certificates, the county government is the primary responsible party.

The government does not want many able-bodied men to become monks and avoid paying taxes.

The tigress Sun Erniang and her husband had been scheming for half their lives before they finally came up with a contingency plan to escape, which they gave to Wu Song.

"It is truly an honor for us that Lord Song has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit our humble temple!"

Even monks can say nice things.

Instead of putting on airs and spouting Zen sayings to the worshippers who come to offer incense.

Song Xuan laughed a few times:

“Abbot Ziyuan, do not be modest. Daxiangguo Temple is the second largest temple in the whole country of the Song Dynasty. Before I took office, I often came here to stroll around. At that time, it was crowded with people.”

"Yes Yes Yes."

Ziyuan quickly agreed; how could he not know?
Before he passed the imperial examination with top honors, a fortune teller said that five prime ministers would pass by him, which could be confirmed to be Song Xuan and his friends.

However, everyone had doubts about who Song Xuan's close friends were at the time.

This has been the subject of much debate.

Song Xuan, the person in question, had no need to explain himself to the outside world.

Abbot Ziyuan kept introducing the various buildings and Buddhist halls of Daxiangguo Temple.

In the past, Song Xuan came from an ordinary family.

Now it can be considered that the leaders have come to inspect.

He naturally wanted to treat them well as the host.

Although Ziyuan was all-powerful at the Xiangguo Temple, he still had to bow down when he encountered officials.

Therefore, many monks at Daxiangguo Temple noticed that the abbot, who was usually calm and rarely smiled, never stopped smiling.

They also knew that because of Song Xuan, the temple had spent a lot of money.

Some monks were indignant, some thought it was fine, and some didn't care at all.

In any case, even if this money isn't used for disaster victims, it won't benefit ordinary monks like them either.

Song Xuan and the others were led to a side hall for a chat.

It wasn't dinnertime yet, so Ziyuan had some fragrant tea served.

Song Xuan took a sip of tea and said:

“Abbot Ziyuan sent someone to tell me about today’s events, and I am naturally grateful.”

"Oh dear, Master Song, you flatter me."

Ziyuan felt that he had really made the right bet.

His smile remained unchanged:
“I greatly admire Master Song, so I feel that some things should not be done that way.”

Zhang Fangping picked up his teacup and took a sip; he was observing.

Song Xuan let his daughter wander around indoors for a bit:
“Abbot Ziyuan, I, Song Twelve, have always been clear about gratitude and resentment. Since you have given me a favor, I will naturally repay you.”

Upon hearing this, Abbot Ziyuan was overjoyed, but seeing that Song Xuan remained silent, he realized that Song Xuan was not saying anything.

He then gestured for some of the monks who were sitting with him to leave, and closed the door behind them.

After the area was cleared, Ziyuan bowed and said:

"I hope Lord Song can enlighten me."

"I have a way to make the Great Xiangguo Temple famous throughout the world. I wonder if you would be interested?"

"Of course!"

Ziyuan answered without hesitation.

His greatest hope as abbot was to make Daxiangguo Temple the largest temple in the world, famous both at home and abroad.

Only then can it be considered a success.

Otherwise, it would be a disservice to the name of the National Temple.

After all, the First Temple was supported by the current Empress Dowager, and she, or rather Ziyuan, dared not contend with it, but after she died.

Then the Great Xiangguo Temple should make a great effort to regain its title as the number one temple in the world.

"I wonder what Lord Song wants us to do?"

"Simple."

Song Xuan snapped his fingers:
"Of course, we should find the monks who are best at debating Buddhist scriptures and send them with me on this mission to the Khitan."

"I heard Yelü Shucheng say that the Khitans' study of Buddhism is the best in the world. Bah!"

"Since Xuanzang returned with the true scriptures from his journey to the west, Buddhism in our Central Plains has reached a new level. How can we allow those barbarians to be so arrogant and conceited?"

“Abbot Ziyuan, send a few people, and I’ll go to Kaibao Temple to find a few more to form a delegation. Let those Khitans hear what true Mahayana Buddhism is!”

(Theravada Buddhism emphasizes individual liberation, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the universal salvation of all beings.)

Abbot Ziyuan was naturally overjoyed to hear Song Xuan's idea.

He felt that since Song Xuan had written Journey to the West, he must have studied Buddhism.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be written in such a likable way.

Monk Ziyuan had heard that not only children loved the Monkey King Sun Wukong, but many adults also enjoyed listening to stories like Sun Wukong's battle against Erlang Shen in the entertainment district.

Moreover, going to the Liao Kingdom to spread Buddhism was something he was eager to do.

After all, Xuanzang needed a travel permit to leave the pass, and their group also needed a travel permit to enter Khitan territory.

Otherwise, wouldn't I become a traitor?

But going out with the delegation was a legitimate job.

Listening to Song Xuan's meaning, we still want to bring glory to the Song Dynasty.

If we can defeat the Liao monks, we should make a big fuss about it when we return home.

Although it cannot compare to the Venerable Xuanzang, it can still attract more pilgrims.

"Master Song, could you please take care of this matter for the Great Xiangguo Temple? There are so many monks in our temple that we could hardly count them all if we were to debate Buddhist scriptures."

Abbot Ziyuan's eyes shone with great light.

"No."

Song Xuan waved his hand and resolutely refused:
"If it weren't for the monks of Kaibao Temple, how would I know whether you won or lost the debate?"

"Moreover, the monks of Kaibao Temple are even more sincere than you are when it comes to disaster relief."

“If you hadn’t sent someone to inform me today, I would have only brought the monks from Kaibao Temple and Lingtai Temple from my hometown.” Upon hearing this, Abbot Ziyuan abandoned his desire to claim all the credit.

He had to be very selective, so as not to let the people from Kaibao Temple steal the spotlight and make Daxiangguo Temple look like a mere backdrop.

"Don't worry, Mr. Song, I will definitely choose carefully and will not let Kaibao Temple stand out from the crowd."

After Ziyuan made his promise, he asked again:

"We don't know when Master Song will set off, so we can make preparations in advance."

"As short as half a month, as long as a month."

Song Xuan picked up his teacup and took another sip: "This is enough for Abbot Ziyuan to select outstanding monks."

"Alright, alright, Master Song, don't worry, there's plenty of time."

Ziyuan had no doubt that Song Xuan was lying.

His ability to sell a piece of glassware for a million strings of cash is enough to prove his competence.

Song Xuan nodded slightly and pointed to the person beside him:
"This is my classmate and good friend Zhang Fangping. He will temporarily serve as the magistrate of Kaifeng County during my mission to the Liao Kingdom. If there is anything, please let me know and he will pass on my message."

"Ah, so it's Zhang Tan Hualang, I've long admired your name."

Ziyuan quickly bowed. He had heard of Zhang Fangping before; his photographic memory was something not everyone possessed.

Furthermore, he married the daughter of the Yang family.

These two individuals naturally sever any suspicion of forming a "clique" with other civil officials.

After all, many successful candidates in the imperial examinations had high-ranking officials in the court as their fathers-in-law who paved the way for them, enabling them to rise rapidly in their careers, especially those who achieved such success as Song Xuan and Zhang Fangping.

They will all be reserved by the current prime minister.

Starting with their generation of Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), some Jinshi began to marry into military families, and it wasn't just the two of them.

I just don't know why they would do that?
Fearing that their future might not be smooth enough, they wanted to increase the difficulty!
With a smile on his face, Zhang Fangping chatted with Ziyuan for a bit, which could be considered a formal introduction.

Abbot Ziyuan immediately ordered his men to bring in the best vegetarian food and roast pork from the Great Xiangguo Temple so that they could taste the local specialties.

Song Xuan first prepared some for his daughter and said:

"I've long heard that the roast pork at Daxiangguo Temple is exceptional. Back then, the lines were so long that I never got to try it. Today, I'm going to give it a proper taste."

Ziyuan felt it was a pity that Song Xuan had never eaten it before.

Otherwise, how could one appreciate Master Huiming's craftsmanship?

The pork skin was roasted to an amber-gold color and glistened with oil; Song Xuan even suspected that it had been coated with caramel.

He picked up a piece, and Ziyuan explained:

"This is agate inlaid with gold, and amber just beginning to solidify. It was made by Master Huiming."

Song Xuan put it in his mouth; it had a hint of wine aroma and a touch of sweetness.

Either they added sugar, or they brushed on honey.

"The lean meat is fragrant, chewy, and tender. The roast pork from Daxiangguo Temple truly lives up to its reputation!"

Hearing Song Xuan's evaluation, Zi Yuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Master Song is happy with his meal, that's all that matters.

This tastes really good.

Unfortunately, he could only enjoy it secretly in private and couldn't present such an image in public.

After all, many foods in the markets of the Northern Song Dynasty were not bad.

Even if they want to abstain from certain foods, they often can't help themselves.

He used to go to temples because he had no food, but now that he has money, he enjoys it secretly and can't let anyone know that he's eating with grease on his face.

Song Xuan glanced at Zi Yuan and secretly swallowed; he already had a child.

Having lost everything—lust, wealth, and power—how could one possibly restrain their appetite?
"Father, this pork is delicious."

"If it's delicious, then you should eat less. You should eat something else when you get home tonight. Eating only meat and not vegetables can make it hard to poop."

Ziyuan was puzzled when he heard this. How did he know?
After all, he sometimes rewards himself excessively, eating more meat, and finally some tofu, but nothing else. Going to the toilet is really painful for him.

"Okay, then I won't eat it."

Song Sisi decisively put down the wooden fork in her hand.

She didn't want to have an unpleasant experience when taking a dump.

"It is hoped that Abbot Ziyuan can carry out this matter secretly and keep it confidential."

Song Xuan chuckled softly:
"I'll have them hide among the delegation and catch the Khitans off guard. I imagine the revelation then will be quite exciting, won't it?"

"Understood, Master Song, rest assured."

Ziyuan immediately patted his chest and swore to Buddha that he would not let Master Song lose face in front of those Khitans.

Let those Khitans see what true Mahayana Buddhism is all about.

After leaving Daxiangguo Temple, Song Xuan headed towards Kaibao Temple.

Ziyuan and the others watched them leave, his eyes brimming with joy. He immediately ran to tell his master.

The master's eyebrows and beard had turned white, especially his longevity eyebrows, which were getting longer and longer.

He listened to his disciple recounting the matter so excitedly, but he felt that Song Xuan's true intention was not like that.

While others might not understand the inner workings of Journey to the West, he was able to glean insights that set him apart from ordinary people.

Song Xuan did not actually praise Buddhism in the book; rather, he subtly criticized it while praising it overtly.

"Master, what do you think?"

"If it is simply an exchange of Buddhist teachings, it would naturally be excellent for the great prosperity of Buddhism in our country."

"However, I have heard that Buddhism is closely associated with the Khitan royal family."

"This situation is not good."

Ziyuan didn't understand what was wrong with this. If it were the same in the Song Dynasty, it would surely make Buddhism even more prosperous.

He had heard that even members of the royal family in Dali would enter temples to practice Buddhism.

Now they are steadily enjoying the benefits, even though Buddhism in Dali is not as good as in the Central Plains.

"You still haven't fully grasped the principle that prosperity inevitably leads to decline."

"This disciple is dull-witted and hopes that Master can enlighten me."

"Never mind, the Great Xiangguo Temple is currently very popular, and the Empress Dowager likes Buddhism."

"And the Emperor is a tolerant person by nature. You probably won't meet him in your life. It's your good luck."

After the old monk chanted a Buddhist prayer:
"You just need to do as Song Xuan says. As for what he's up to, I haven't figured it out yet."

"In short, as an official, he was able to gain a foothold in the capital city at a young age and be adept at navigating social situations, which must mean he was both capable and very shrewd."

"Just follow his instructions and cooperate. If you want to be his enemy, he will definitely not be easy to get along with."

Ziyuan also felt that what his master said made sense.

Don't try to guess what Little Song Tai Sui is planning; most people would find it very difficult to predict.

But what was said in the side hall just now.

No matter how he thought about it, he felt it would be beneficial to the Daxiangguo Temple.

We must not let our counterparts at Kaibao Temple steal the limelight.

Song Xuan planned to place monks, gambling addicts (his second brother), and imperial guards within the delegation.

As for the other candidates, he hadn't thought of any yet.

Now that the Khitan emperor is becoming increasingly senile in his later years, Song Xuan decided to have him replicate the major national expenditure projects of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, such as the Eastern Feng and Western Sacrifices.

That would inevitably require leading powerful monks to suppress the Khitan monks.

The Khitans extensively introduced advanced Buddhist teachings, spent money studying them, and built various Buddhist buildings.

Incidentally, the large number of relics he produced also attracted more new buyers.

As for gambling addicts...

Song Xuan naturally hoped that his second brother could make a great contribution to the Khitan and give full play to his strengths over the years.

They dragged Khitan nobles and common people into a gambling culture.

Even if we wanted to ban it then, it would be extremely difficult.

According to some descriptions of the Khitans that Song Xuan saw from the envoys, their political atmosphere was now bad, and they had become hedonistic.

In the end, the practice of Buddhism ultimately comes down to a comparison of financial resources and capabilities.

As for gambling, the Song Dynasty had the most variety.

Although they pride themselves on being a great nation and indulge in eating, drinking, and merrymaking, how could they possibly compare to the far more advanced practices of the Song Dynasty?

The Khitans were simply more open about male-female relationships than the Song Dynasty.

Song Xuan sat in his study, carefully analyzing how he could give the Liao Kingdom a taste of its power and pull off some unexpected moves.

He picked up a brush and wrote down his initial thoughts.

While the Khitans did exhibit hedonism, it was not a significant factor, and their martial spirit should be further downplayed.

At the banquet, they talked at length about the elegance and refinement of the Song Dynasty, while defining horsemanship and archery as barbaric and backward.

Since they all pride themselves on using Song Dynasty coins and goods, it's impossible for them to cut them up.

This leads to the second point, which is to export "luxury consumption".

With this million-cash glass gyrfalcon, he became famous among the nobles of the Liao Dynasty in one battle.

The Khitan emperor would certainly be unable to resist showing off.

This provided an outlet for more luxury goods from the Song Dynasty, and the auctions at Fanlou would attract more wealthy Khitan nobles.

It would be best to let them compete with each other.

Spend money like water.

But for them, making money is not as easy as spending it.

The Liao Dynasty's economic level was far inferior to that of the Song Dynasty. Even the Southern Song Dynasty, which was confined to a corner of the country, maintained its rule for a long time solely through commercial taxes.

Economic prosperity is not just a boast.

In order to maintain their high consumption, the Khitan nobles would inevitably intensify their exploitation of the common people and herdsmen, in addition to borrowing money at high interest rates.

In that case, the people inside Liao will be in even greater misery.

The pool of resentment has a bottom; it could explode at any time.

Song Xuan planned to set up a Song Dynasty embassy in Zhongjing, the capital of the Liao Dynasty, to exhibit top-quality Song porcelain, Shu brocade, calligraphy and paintings, and perfumes from time to time.

Teach them some refined interests such as tea ceremony, illustration, and incense appreciation, and guide new trends.

This is how true nobility is revealed – it lies in taste, and such elegance is what distinguishes one's status.

In any case, the treatment of Khitans varied drastically, and there would always be people who liked to indulge in such affectation.

Vanity is a problem that most people cannot avoid.

The Khitans did not yet have this concept of defining things conceptually.

Of course, Song Xuan did not doubt that insightful people within the Khitan would see through the scheme.

Therefore, Song Xuan wrote on the note that the imitation of the Song Dynasty's system was not thorough enough.

They especially had to study the imperial examination system very hard.

In particular, it is necessary to expand the imperial examination system to further undermine aristocratic rule.

This is a calculated move that will undermine the very foundation upon which the Khitan people established their state.

Besides causing conflicts between Khitan nobles and common people, it also caused many conflicts between Khitan nobles and Han officials within the bureaucracy.

Song Xuan was unsure whether Yelü Longxu would favor the imperial examination system.

Anyway, he learned from Yelü Shucheng that the Khitans would not participate in the imperial examinations.

That's a shameful thing.

Song Xuan highlighted the key points again, saying that they would need to use his success in winning the triple crown to persuade or provoke them.

Such an operation is tantamount to "military competition," which is just a bunch of nonsense and doesn't involve any reforms within the Song Dynasty.

Song Xuan felt that in order for the above things to proceed smoothly...

He also needs to find some Khitans to gain their friendship and build a deeper network of interests.

We can then use maritime smuggling to incentivize them to do things.

Song Xuan wrote another entry, which was about the common people.

That would exacerbate the conflict between agriculture and animal husbandry.

To increase tax revenue, the funds were used to support the consumption of the nobility.

Either raise more sheep, or cultivate more land.

It would be perfectly normal for them to invade each other's territory and engage in mutual vendettas.

Even disputes over water resources in villages can escalate into armed conflicts, let alone something as significant as this.

Even if sheep eat a few bites of crops, it can still cause conflict.

Composting isn't common here, so the yield is naturally low, and they still have to burn cow and sheep dung for heating.

As for the factions and political struggles within the Khitan people.

Song Xuan didn't even need to take action himself; he only needed to watch from the sidelines.

Then you'll see a lot of excitement.

Song Xuan put down his brush; these were the only solutions he could think of at the moment.

This fostered a culture of extravagance, requiring more money to consume. The economic bubble led to the collapse of officialdom, causing public resentment to boil over and rebellions to break out. The imperial court used force to suppress these rebellions, which further exacerbated the conflicts between the various parties.

Song Xuan looked at the line and took a sip of tea.

As for whether it can be carried out, or whether it can incite the Khitans to accelerate their rebellion and show them the actual situation of the Khitan army.

Song Xuan is not confident at the moment.

He can only take it one step at a time and see if he can take advantage of the situation to achieve his goal.

If we don't stir up some trouble, wouldn't it be a waste of time to go to the Khitan?

To encounter a foolish, aging emperor again would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As for the factional struggles within the Song Dynasty.

Song Xuan also chose to stay far away, having no intention of getting involved at all.

Madam Gu knocked on the door and came in with a teapot in her hand.

"My lord, I've come to refill your tea."

After pouring the tea, Madam Gu leaned against Song Xuan and was pulled into his arms.

"Sisi is asleep."

"Fell asleep."

Song Xuan nodded: "How have you been at home these past few days?"

"My sister takes good care of me, and I feel a little guilty about it, since she is pregnant."

Madam Gu felt that Song Xuan shouldn't have brought her and her daughter home in such a hurry.

"It's alright. I'm just worried that if too much time goes by, Sisi won't recognize me as her father anymore, and I'm also afraid that you'll find someone else to marry."

Hearing that Song Xuan cared so much about her, Madam Gu was very happy.

She twisted her waist:

"My husband's words are always sweet as honey, making them pleasant to hear."

"That's a skill in itself."

Song Xuan's hands became increasingly restless:

"I'm planning to go on a diplomatic mission to the Khitan and will be away from home for a while. You still need to take care of Sisi and Cao Qingyao. She's pregnant and will be more sensitive."

"Yes, I understand."

Madam Gu's tone became increasingly ambiguous.

On his day off, Song Xuan took his wives, concubines, and daughter to his father-in-law's house for a banquet, where he formally introduced the mother and daughter.

Cao Liyong and the others had no objections, since it was a family matter for the Song family anyway.

As long as Song Xuan doesn't do anything like favoring his concubine over his wife, it'll be fine.

In particular, Song Xuan didn't hide it from them; he told them so openly and generously, which gave them plenty of face.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Cao Yong took his eldest son and son-in-law to the study.

Song Xuan then told Cao Yuan about his plan.

"An envoy to the Khitan?"

Cao Yuan's eyes showed doubt: "Has this matter been settled?"

"deal."

Song Xuan said with absolute certainty:

"When the Khitan envoy arrives in Tokyo, I don't know whether he will trade with me first or celebrate the Empress's birthday first."

"Once these things are done, we will go to Khitan together, since the emperor there is also celebrating his birthday."

Cao Yuan had no objections; it turned out that this was exactly what his brother-in-law wanted to talk about.

"Father, what do you think?"

"With you taking care of your brother-in-law in the mission, I can feel a little more at ease."

"With me here, I will never let anything happen to my brother-in-law."

Cao Yuan chuckled a few times, filled with anticipation for his mission to the Khitan.

"Brother, keep this matter to yourself for now, and don't tell anyone."

Song Xuan coughed:
"I also want to select some old acquaintances to join, otherwise such an opportunity will be given to others."

"clear."

Cao Yuan readily agreed.

He knew that Song Xuan had friends among ordinary soldiers.

He had heard of people like Di Qing and Wang Gui, since they were colleagues.

"Father-in-law, have you written letters to your brother and nephew?"

"Yes, I've already reminded you."

Cao Liyong shook his head again:
"But I'm starting to get worried. What if they say all the right things, but actually do something else entirely?"

Song Xuan inquired about their respective positions.

Since they were all in Hebei and other places, he decided to take a look and find out something while he was on his way.

After all, listening to only one side leads to ignorance, while listening to both sides leads to enlightenment.

Song Xuan then spoke about Liu Sui, and Cao Liyong couldn't help but snort.

These civil officials are so shameless.

They don't explain things clearly; they leave you to guess.

So what if I'm a kid? Why are you still making all this guessing?

"I remember he had a good relationship with Lü Yijian. Now that the Empress Dowager has chosen to get rid of him, it's because she's unhappy that someone impeached the person she recently promoted."

"Heh, it seems Prime Minister Lü hasn't learned his lesson yet?"

Song Xuan chuckled a few times: "Could it be that Prime Minister Lü is once again unable to contain his ambitions and wants to further his ambitions to become the prime minister?"

"As long as Wang Zeng is alive, Lü Yijian can forget about taking the last step of becoming a civil official."

Cao could still confirm this.

Wang Zeng was both highly respected and capable. Unless Wang Zeng was forced to be demoted to the capital by the Empress Dowager, Lü Yijian would not have a chance of being promoted to the position of Empress.

"If someone throws stones into a calm pond, no one will be able to stop the fighting."

"I am a military general; their fighting has nothing to do with me," Cao Li said, completely unconcerned.

"Oh, I shouldn't have had that thought." Song Xuan quickly waved his hand.
"Father-in-law, you are mistaken. Have you heard this saying?"

Cao Liyong laughed loudly: "Tell me about it. How am I supposed to know if I've heard of it or not if you don't tell me?"

(End of this chapter)