You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 168 The Emperor and His Ministers Dared Not Speak

With a formidable enemy at hand, Chen Shao had no mood to continue his report to the King of Yin and Yang.

Wang Bingze lacked the confidence to argue with him, and he always felt somewhat ashamed when facing Chen Shao.

Back in Hengshan, we had already tricked him once.

Chen Shao held out at Hengshan Yuanbao Village, while Wang Bing led 20,000 troops behind him, staying there for three whole days.
They could have arrived in one night by rushing.

This was because Xuan Shuai and the generals of the Western Army wanted to shirk responsibility.

It was tantamount to betraying Chen Shao back then. How could he not have seen through the trickery at the time when he was able to build such a foundation in the Northwest?

Now they're sending him to Hebei again. Putting ourselves in his shoes, Chen Shao's willingness to come and help Hedong is already a great act of magnanimity.

Perhaps I shouldn't have expected too much from him.

Chen Shao stationed himself outside Taiyuan City, having decided not to continue north.

The Lingwu Army stabilized its forces here and then spread out in all directions to ensure that the caravans' routes were not obstructed by local officials.

Wang Bing stood on the watchtower of the Hedong New Army camp, overlooking the Lingwu Army's fortified camp.

They were extremely efficient, setting up camp at an astonishing speed.

Wang Bing sighed. He knew that the garrison commander of Hedong, whom he had been so concerned about, was no longer in any problem.

With this army here, anyone who comes to besiege Taiyuan will think twice.

Wang Bing glanced at his military camp again.

The funds for the new army were delayed, and the soldiers in Huanqing were homesick, cursing incessantly every day.

He didn't dare push too hard, fearing that the Huanqing Army, like the Western Army in Hebei, would pack up and return to Shaanxi.

Given the current authority of the imperial court, such a thing is highly likely to happen, because the court currently lacks authority.
Especially after the conquest of Liao and the redemption of Yanjing.

The soldiers on the front lines were utterly disillusioned with the Song Dynasty. In the Battle of Baigou River, the court transferred lower-ranking military officers from the Western Army and installed powerful officials from Bianliang to gain military merits, causing chaos among the soldiers and resulting in repeated defeats by Xiao Gan and Yelü Dashi.

Shortly after Chen Shao's army set up camp, the merchant escort team arrived. In fact, they had been standing not far behind Chen Shao all along.

After arriving in Taiyuan Prefecture, the next step is the Wutai Mountain area, so there's no need for extensive road clearing.

Taiyuan exists as a transit hub that radiates outwards and connects the north and south.

Once they reached the Wutai Mountain area, it would be a miracle if anyone dared to stop them. The only family with the real ability to stop Chen Shaohu's caravan along the way was the Zhe family of Fugu.

They happened to be Chen Shao's allies, and were happy to see Chen Shao leave the pass, thus sharing the pressure brought by the Jurchen Tartars.

In fact, the Zhe family of Fugu has never been as relaxed as they are now. In the past, they had to deal with both the Western Xia and the Khitan, and were attacked from both sides.

Later, they even had to confront the Jurchens directly. Fortunately, Chen Shao destroyed the Western Xia, otherwise the pressure on them would have been even greater.

Zhe Keqiu was also one of the first to form an alliance with Chen Shao, knowing that he would leave the pass and head north.

Because Chen Shao's troops need to enter his territory and require his support and cover.
-
Golden autumn September.

Bianliang.

The intrigue, bloodshed, and ambitions outside seem to have no effect on this place.

From the first day of the Lunar New Year, most families in Bianliang begin to eat flower cakes and spicy rabbit to welcome the frost, and drink chrysanthemum wine.

Inside the imperial palace, Genyue, everything was the same as in previous years.

Under the guidance of the palace stewards, the palace servants were busy pasting paper on the windows, airing out their fur coats, and making clothes to keep warm. The kitchen staff also began to speed up the process of pickling melons and eggplants and making various vegetables, ginger and fermented soybeans in preparation for winter.

However, Emperor Zhao Ji was not in the same good mood as in previous years. He sat on the dragon throne, lost in thought and filled with sorrow.

He was still thinking about the matter involving Cai Jing and his son, which was giving him a headache and left him unable to make up his mind.

After Cai You was transferred back to the capital, he stayed at home to avoid trouble. Although he had caused great floods and public resentment in Hebei, he was still able to live a carefree life in his mansion.

To clean up his son's mess, Cai Jing had no choice but to muster his energy and, despite his advanced age, rack his brains once again to come up with a new method: allowing salt merchants within the Song Dynasty to pay taxes to replenish the border's needs.

Originally, during the Chongning era, Cai Jing implemented the "Salt Certificate Law," where merchants paid the government in cash or goods in exchange for "salt certificates" (salt collection vouchers), which they could then use to collect salt from designated salt fields for sale. Cai Jing further subdivided the types of salt certificates, stipulating that different regions would use different salt certificates, thus raising the exchange threshold.

Then, by forcibly devaluing old banknotes and issuing new ones, merchants are forced to continuously make up the difference in value, thus indirectly exploiting the wealth of the people.

This was originally intended to strengthen the state monopoly and increase salt revenue.

But now the situation is critical, and Cai Jing has no choice but to go all out. As long as he pays taxes, he can obtain salt permits for the next few years!

Furthermore, the restriction on designated salt fields was lifted.

In this way, the court would either go back on its word and lose credibility, or suffer financial losses.

However, at present, it is indeed possible to temporarily alleviate the crisis and procure enough food to subsidize the expenses at the border.

Especially Wang Bing, if he doesn't send troops, after the Jurchens occupy Yanshan Prefecture, there will be no troops available in Hebei.

Cai Jing has no time to worry about the future; he just wants to get through the current crisis first. At worst, he'll just squeeze the businessmen dry and then bring in a new wave.

Below, a dozen or so officials stood silently.

"Your Majesty, Vice Minister Li has arrived."

Emperor Huizong nodded. "Let him in."

Li Gang stepped into the hall, and seeing the Emperor's appearance, he felt somewhat displeased.

Beset by internal and external troubles, he remains so lazy; this is hardly the behavior of a wise ruler.

"Your subject Li Gang pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"Minister Li, there's no need for such formalities. Someone, bring a seat."

Emperor Huizong actually disliked Li Gang, but it seemed that now was the time to use him. Emperor Huizong said, "I heard that you have asked to see me several times. What is the purpose of your visit?"

Because the court had too many troubles, Emperor Huizong had not attended court for a long time, nor did he meet with his ministers. Only his confidants, such as Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng, and Wang Fu, could see him.

Today, it was a rare occasion to gather all the ministers, and the meeting was being held in Genyue. Although many ministers were present, they all remained silent, which made Zhao Ji even more heartbroken and angry.

Li Gang said, "Your Majesty, the Jurchens have broken the alliance, and reports from the border are spreading. The people are terrified. Your Majesty should now be invigorated and lead the nation to resist the enemy!"

"Now that the military and political situation in Hebei is in disarray, how can we defend against the enemy?"

"Your Majesty, I am deeply worried and have been unable to sleep all night. After much deliberation, I have drafted these ten strategies. If Your Majesty is willing to accept them, I am willing to sign a military pledge to drive out the invading Tartars!"

"Oh? What's your plan?" Zhao Ji's expression softened slightly. This was why he wanted to retain some of the old party scholars and officials. Although these people often offended him, they could usually come up with solutions when problems arose.

Unlike that unruly servant Tong Guan, who simply ran away and didn't return even after arriving in Hejian Prefecture. Truly hateful!
Li Gang took a deep breath and spoke each word with resounding force:

"First! Execute the six traitors immediately! To appease the world!"

"Six traitors?" Zhao Ji's face immediately darkened, and he sneered, "Which six traitors?"

"Cai Jing! Tong Guan! Wang Fu! Liang Shicheng! Zhu Mian! Li Yan!"

All the officials present lowered their heads. Only Liang Shicheng remained in the hall, his expression unchanged, showing no particular reaction.

On the contrary, when Zhao Ji heard these six names, all of whom were people he had trusted and relied on, he said that calling them the six traitors was tantamount to implying that he lacked the ability to judge people and was a foolish ruler.

Seeing the emperor's grim expression, Li Gang, fearing he wouldn't let him finish, quickly added, "Secondly, promote loyal and virtuous officials and entrust them with important responsibilities!"

Thirdly! Hold the strategic points! Seize the enemy's throat! The towns of Zhengding, Taiyuan, and Hejian must fight to the death and not retreat!

Fourthly! Reorganize the army and strengthen its military! Eliminate the weak and train the strong! The Imperial Guard is corrupt and needs radical reform!
Fifthly! Stockpile ample grain! Preparedness is key! Immediately transport grain from the Jianghuai region to the capital, thoroughly inspect and clear out warehouses! Suppress corruption!

"Alright, alright, then tell me, who is the loyal and virtuous one?"

"Your subject is loyal and virtuous!"

Emperor Huizong was so angry he laughed, a cold smile playing on his lips as he asked, "According to you, if I don't use you, the country will perish?"

Li Gang avoided this linguistic trap, softening his tone as he slowly said, "In the past, Emperors Shenzong and Zhezong were gentle and kind, close to virtuous ministers, and good at accepting loyal advice. There was no obstruction between the emperor and his ministers, and all industries in the region prospered, while all the ills of the court and the country were eliminated. If Your Majesty is willing to follow the example of your father and elder brother, be close to the virtuous and dismiss the wicked, and govern with ease, then the matter of defending against enemies will not require Your Majesty's worry or effort."

"So, it seems I am also guilty?"

Li Gang nodded and said, "This is exactly what I am about to say. My sixth policy is to practice frugality to alleviate the people's suffering!"

Li Gang's voice suddenly rose, "I beseech Your Majesty to reduce the expenditures of the palace and cut back on daily extravagance. The people of the world are exhausted, their blood and sweat are depleted, and their resentment is deep. Seventh, reward those who have rendered meritorious service to boost morale. Those who sacrifice their lives on the city walls should be given relief to their families; righteous men in the countryside should be provided with weapons!"

"Eighthly, eliminate empty formalities and focus on practical results. Auspicious omens and good omens are all illusions; the indiscriminate bestowal of titles and rewards only wastes the nation's resources and should be completely abolished!"

"Ninthly, orders must be carried out without fail, and reversals of war and peace are strictly prohibited. Changing orders from morning to evening is a path to defeat!"

"Tenth, if Your Majesty can clearly state the crimes, then Your Majesty can personally go to the front lines, announce it to the world, frankly admit your mistakes, and personally don armor to encourage the three armies!"

"If this is not possible, Your Majesty should pass the throne to the Crown Prince, win back the hearts of the people, quell their grievances, and unite the people of our Great Song Dynasty to face this national crisis together."

With a bang, Zhao Ji knocked the jade tablet beside him to the ground, then stood up and left without saying a word.

Several officials who were on good terms with Li Gang, especially those close to the Crown Prince, all gathered around.

Some praised Li Gang for his integrity and courage to speak frankly and directly to the emperor; others said he was too impulsive, and that such actions would only alienate the emperor from virtuous officials and bring closer to sycophants.

Li Gang did not refute, his eyes were resolute, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
-
Cai Mansion.

Young Master Cai, with a face as handsome as jade and three strands of black beard, was sitting in the hall at this moment.

Although he had caused a terrible disaster, he was not in a hurry and continued to laugh and joke, acting very casually.

“Father, Li Boji is clearly using you as a stepping stone, using your insults to enhance his own reputation. What are you thinking, Father? Don’t you plan to retaliate?”

Cai Jing's complexion was actually better than it had been a year ago.

It seems that power is indeed a good medicine. When he was dismissed from his post as prime minister, he looked like withered tree bark, and he was about to die. He was old and looked terrible.

Unexpectedly, upon returning to the position of prime minister and facing such a difficult situation, despite his efforts in managing finances, disbanding the Imperial Guard, and dealing with internal factional struggles, his physical and mental health miraculously improved.

He lay on the couch, a pretty maid massaging his legs to improve blood circulation, while another pretty maid warmed him with incense over a delicate charcoal stove.

He remained silent. After so many years of torment, he had developed the ability to automatically filter out the voice of his eldest son, Cai You.

In any case, not a single word this son said was of any use.

Seeing this, Cai You didn't stand on ceremony and walked over to shake his father's shoulder. "Father, say something! Li Gang is so rude, is there really no way to deal with him?"

Cai Jing coughed suddenly, pointed at his eldest son, and wanted to scold him but then held back.

Getting angry with him is useless.
Cai Jing comforted himself.

"Li Gang?" Cai Jingping said after calming down, "It's all because you guys are useless!"

“What does this have to do with me?” Cai You said indignantly, “He didn’t mention his son this time. He was the first of the six traitors, and he mentioned his father’s name.”

Cai Jing sneered, "If Li Gang were truly loyal and fearless, why wouldn't he mention Chen Shao? Chen Shao has 100,000 troops in Yunzhong. In terms of danger, he's more dangerous than the Jurchens!"

"If he doesn't mention Chen Shao, then he shouldn't boast about how upright and virtuous he is. He's just a faction fighting for power and profit. Why would I be afraid of him?"

The court now tacitly agrees not to mention Chen Shao at all, as if he didn't exist.

Even Cai You, who was usually fearless, felt a little intimidated when he heard this name, not for any other reason than that his men were truly formidable fighters.

Moreover, Chen Shao killed a civil official in Fenzhou, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) from the Chongning era. In the Song Dynasty, such an act was considered an act of rebellion against Heaven.

In just a few years, the Jurchen Tartars overthrew the Liao Dynasty, winning battle after battle and never suffering a defeat.

However, when they encountered Chen Shao's Dingnan Army, they were actually stopped outside Yunzhong Prefecture.

Of the prefectures within the Yunnei region, only Datong and Weizhou remain in the hands of the Jurchens.

Thinking of this, Cai Jing couldn't help but feel a headache coming on. If his sons were more capable, he wouldn't be in such a passive position now.

When Youzhou was captured by Chen Shao, he immediately sent Cai Tiao to govern the prefecture.

At that time, Chen Shao certainly wouldn't have had time to pacify the various forces within his territory. As long as Cai Tiao had some sense of responsibility and had his backing, many forces would definitely join his ranks.

While he may not be considered on par with Chen Shao in the Dingnan Army, he certainly held considerable influence.

Who knew he was completely useless?

Now look at the eldest son.
Cai Jing slapped his forehead and sighed deeply.

"Everything has a beginning, but few things have an end!"

Cai You listened to his father reciting poetry. He himself was not very learned, but seeing his father's appearance, he couldn't help but suspect that his father was scolding him.

"Dad, what are you muttering to yourself?"

Cai Jing said, "Isn't it all because of the disaster you caused in Hebei? If no one can stop Wanyan Zongwang in Hebei and let them besiege Kaifeng, then even your father can't protect you."

Cai You smiled and said, "Father, you're joking. Is there anything in this world that you can't do?"

"Have"

Cai Jing sighed again and said from the bottom of his heart, "I have done a very bad job as a father in teaching my son."

(End of this chapter)