Song Xiu

Chapter 123 Yangjiaduo's Daily Use in the Present Day
After everyone had left, Zhao Dexiu rubbed his temples.

Knowing yourself and your enemy, you will never be defeated – this has always been Zhao Dexiu's guiding principle in warfare.

Even before entering Jiangling, Zhao Dexiu had sent out a large number of spies to investigate intelligence about Zhou Xingfeng.

After gathering information from various sources, Zhao Dexiu concluded that Zhou Xingfeng was a formidable opponent.

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu looked tired, Lu Duoxun, who was present, stood up and asked:
"The envoy sent by His Majesty to bestow titles upon Li Congjia has arrived in Jiangling City."

Should the investiture of Li Congjia be delayed?

Zhao Dexiu always valued his integrity.

Having previously promised the Southern Tang that he would do his best to arrange for the Song Dynasty to bestow an official title upon Li Congjia, Zhao Dexiu would not break his promise.

As early as when they were marching westward from Huainan, Zhao Dexiu had written to Zhao Kuangyin, requesting permission to do so.

Before anyone knew it, Zhao Kuangyin's envoys had already arrived in Jiangling City.

After hearing Lu Duoxun's question, Zhao Dexiu asked:

Who is the envoy sent by the imperial court?

When Zhao Dexiu asked him, Lu Duoxun replied:
"Liu Wensou, Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies".

Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies?

Zhao Dexiu remembered that Liu Wensou should have been the Vice Minister of Rites, right?
For the past few months, Zhao Dexiu has been focused on military affairs and has not been aware of much about what is happening in the court.

Seeing Zhao Dexiu's puzzled expression, Lu Duoxun explained in detail the recent changes in the court.

After listening to Lu Duoxun's story, Zhao Dexiu's face gradually showed joy.

Since Zhao Dexiu's southern expedition, the new policies of the court, under the leadership of Zhao Kuangyin, have been proceeding in an orderly manner.

The Jianlong New Deal adhered to the principle of "reforming the old and establishing the new".

In terms of reform, it will be carried out gradually in Luzhou, with a focus on stability.

As for reform, it lies in eliminating the various malpractices left over from the Five Dynasties.

The reason for the "redundant officials" in the Song Dynasty was twofold: firstly, the Song emperors vigorously decentralized power, and secondly, the foundation inherited by the Song Dynasty was not strong.

The decline of "redundant officials" was already a trend that existed during the Five Dynasties period.

For example, matters of national diplomacy were usually handled by the Court of State Ceremonies, but this was not the case during the Five Dynasties period.

The Council of State Affairs, the Privy Council, and the Ministry of Rites were all involved in national diplomacy. While these three departments were already bloated, the Court of State Ceremonies had not yet been abolished.

Aside from national diplomacy, the same situation applies to civil affairs, military affairs, finance, and the judiciary.

This trend continued to evolve, and with the strong catalysis of the "decentralization of power" measures implemented by the Song Dynasty emperors in the previous era, it led to the complete formation of the evil policy of "redundant officials".

Zhao Kuangyin was not unaware of the trend toward "redundant officials".

However, this trend is an inevitable result of chaotic times.

Because of the constant strife and conflict in the chaotic world, emperors needed a large number of official positions to win over the people, and they also needed to constantly decentralize power to maintain imperial rule.

For example, during the Wude period of the Former Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan lavishly rewarded aristocratic families, meritorious officials, and princes, which led to the bloated state of the central and local government agencies of the Former Tang Dynasty, and the trend of "redundant officials" became increasingly serious.

As for why the Former Tang Dynasty did not ultimately produce the evil policy of "redundant officials," it was because Li Yuan had a good son.

After Emperor Taizong of Tang ascended the throne, his first benevolent policy was to "streamline government agencies and eliminate redundant personnel".

Under Emperor Taizong's downsizing, the number of officials in the central government of the Tang Dynasty was reduced from several thousand to several hundred!

Those who were dismissed from office and stripped of their titles were countless.

This benevolent policy, which benefits the country and its people, has aroused opposition from many vested interests.

Unfortunately, those who benefited from the system were facing the powerful General Tian Ce, who had personally conquered the world.

With its powerful military might and the support of hundreds of thousands of strong soldiers, it has won the trust of many.
Even the biggest waves are all crushed and killed on the beach.

As for Zhao Kuangyin today, he already possessed a powerful military presence, not to mention he also had Zhao Dexiu.

If the Li family, father and son, were one ruler and the other a minister during the early Tang Dynasty, then the Zhao family, father and son, are complementary in this era.

With the suppression of the "Rebellion of the Two Lis", Zhao Kuangyin's imperial power was further strengthened.

There was no need to worry about the incompetence of future rulers, and Zhao Kuangyin would not, like his predecessors, turn a blind eye to the corrupt practices of the Five Dynasties.

In the past two months, the first thing Zhao Kuangyin streamlined was the country's diplomatic institutions.

Under Zhao Kuangyin's leadership, the diplomatic powers of the Council of State Affairs and the Privy Council were stripped away, and the functions and powers of the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites were also strictly separated.

All major national ceremonies, such as suburban temple ceremonies, sacrifices, investitures, and reports of victories, were handled by the Court of State Ceremonies.

As for the Ministry of Rites, it was in charge of matters such as the imperial examinations, the establishment of schools, and the compilation of classics.

Over the past year, thanks to Zhao Dexiu's efforts, the Song Dynasty is gradually emerging from the shadow of the Five Dynasties and is embarking on a correct path of development.

Zhao Dexiu knew that Zhao Kuangyin's reforms in national diplomacy were only the beginning.

The more solid the foundation he laid for the Song Dynasty, the more promising the future of the Song Dynasty would be.

“The future is promising!”

How beautiful those four words are.

For ambitious men, the most joyful thing in the world is watching their aspirations gradually come true.

The joy in her heart lifted Zhao Dexiu's spirits.

Tired? Not at all!

"Now that the messenger has arrived, there is no reason to make him wait."

"Send Li Congjia to meet with the envoy immediately to complete the investiture ceremony."

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Lu Duoxun immediately bowed and left.

After Lu Duoxun left, Zhao Dexiu stood up and looked at the map hanging in the hall.

In the past few days, Zhao Dexiu, Cao Bin, Pan Mei, and others had discussed the battle against Wuping in advance.

After discussion, Cao Bin and Pan Mei agreed that "in the battle of Wuping, the first attack should be on Yuezhou."

This point was also acknowledged by Zhao Dexiu.

At the same time, Zhao Dexiu believed that Zhou Xingfeng would not have been unaware that Yuezhou would become the main target of the Song army's attack.

"Besides leading a large force to defend Yuezhou, what other countermeasures might Zhou Xingfeng take?"

Looking at the map in front of him, Zhao Dexiu's gaze wandered.

"Using one wolf to devour another?"

Southern Tang, Southern Han, and Western Shu.

As a commander-in-chief, Zhao Dexiu's thinking must be comprehensive.

Whether Zhou Xingfeng can do it or not is not important; what is important is preventing him from doing it.

After his gaze swept back and forth, Zhao Dexiu's sword-like eyes finally focused on the Southern Tang.

"After nurturing Jia for so many days, this is the moment!"

In the main hall of the Prince's Mansion, Liu Wensou had just finished the investiture ceremony for Li Congjia.

After handing over the imperial letter and seal bestowed by the Song Dynasty to Li Congjia, Liu Wensou smiled and said:

"From this day forward, the King of Wu shall be the Crown Prince of Southern Tang!"

Liu Wensou's announcement brought a smile to Li Congjia's face.

What pleased Li Congjia was not his status as the crown prince of Southern Tang.

Even without the Song Dynasty's official appointment, he was already one.

Li Congjia was delighted that, having received the official investiture from the Song Dynasty, his return to the country could now proceed.

However, amidst his joy, Li Congjia still felt a lingering sense of regret.

Once he returned to Jinling, it would be difficult for him to see the Prince of Taiyuan again.

Great writers are often sentimental.

Li Congjia couldn't help but recall the moments he had spent with Zhao Dexiu during this period.

Although Zhao Dexiu's manner of meeting him was somewhat unrefined, she treated him with utmost courtesy after his arrival.

Most importantly, although he didn't have many opportunities to discuss poetry with Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Dexiu always provided him with considerable inspiration during those discussions.

The Prince of Taiyuan deserves Li Congjia's praise as a "soulmate".

What Li Congjia didn't know was that his soulmate was actually Zhao Dexiu's university professor from his previous life. Unaware of this, Li Congjia deeply valued his friendship with Zhao Dexiu.

"Now that I am returning to my country, why not say goodbye to him before I leave?"

When a writer's emotions run high, they are difficult for ordinary people to understand, let alone stop.

Feeling something was amiss, Li Congjia bid farewell to Liu Wensou and then went to the outside of Zhao Dexiu's bedroom.

Huyan Zan, who was guarding outside the hall, rushed forward to greet Li Congjia as soon as he arrived:

"Your Highness, the King of Wu."

After bowing to Li Congjia, Huyan Zan's eyes darted around, and he said in a simple, honest voice:
"The king is currently in a meeting."

He just said he wanted to see you after his meeting."

Huyan Zan was not lying.

Zhao Dexiu had just been about to have Huyan Zan summon Li Congjia, but was unexpectedly prevented by some routine matters.

As for why Huyan Zan specifically mentioned this point before Li Congjia, the reason is:
"Cong Jia is a scholar with a strong sense of idealism; one must first be respectful before one can deceive him."

As Zhao Dexiu's personal bodyguard, Huyan Zan had heard Zhao Dexiu's private opinions about Li Congjia.

As expected, when Li Congjia heard that Zhao Dexiu also wanted to see him, his face lit up with joy.

"It's alright, I'll wait outside the hall."

In his excitement, Li Congjia was even willing to wait in the cold.

However, Huyan Zan said:
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment while I go inside to inform you."

After saying this, before Li Congjia could refuse, Huyan Zan turned and entered the hall.

After Huyan Zan had been inside the hall for a while, he came out and said:
"Your Majesty invites you in."

After speaking, Huyan Zan led Li Congjia into the palace.

As Li Congjia crossed the palace gate, he brushed past several Song generals.

Several Song generals remembered Zhao Dexiu's instructions and gave Li Congjia a fierce glare before leaving.

Li Congjia already held a fearful view of many Song generals, describing them as "like wolves and tigers."

Suddenly being glared at like that, Li Congjia's face turned noticeably pale.

Fortunately, with Zhao Dexiu's intervention, the Song generals were not forced to commit any malicious acts against Li Congjia.

After entering the hall safely, Li Congjia met Zhao Dexiu, who was sitting in the main seat.

However, in the candlelight inside the hall, Li Congjia noticed that Zhao Dexiu's expression was somewhat unusual.

Out of curiosity, Li Congjia walked up to Zhao Dexiu.

Before Li Congjia could even bow, Zhao Dexiu stood up and grasped his hand:
"Is the investiture ceremony over?"

Zhao Dexiu asked as if he were a good friend.

Faced with Zhao Dexiu's question, Li Congjia nodded somewhat sadly.

"At the latest, I will set off for Nanchang Prefecture the day after tomorrow."

When Li Jing was in Nanchang Prefecture, Li Congjia would definitely want to see him first after returning to China.

Compared to Li Congjia's sadness, Zhao Dexiu was rather happy.

It's good to go to Nanchang Prefecture, hurry back!
Of course, Zhao Dexiu wouldn't show these thoughts on the surface.

Zhao Dexiu lowered her eyes, revealing a hint of reluctance, and then sighed:
"After today's parting, I don't know when I will be able to appreciate poetry with Chongguang again."

Zhao Dexiu's words stirred up Li Congjia's sadness.

Li Congjia also sighed:
"I was originally devoted to poetry and thought that one day I could travel all over the mountains and rivers and see famous people, so as to leave behind masterpieces for future generations."

But being born into royalty, one has no choice in one's fate; all one can do is lament.

Li Congjia is not in Versailles.

Before he became the crown prince, Li Congjia never thought about getting involved in politics. His favorite thing to do was to travel and enjoy nature with his friends.

Somewhat similar to Cao Zhi.

Logically speaking, Li Congjia was neither virtuous nor the eldest son, so the position of Crown Prince of Southern Tang should not have been his.

But fate is fickle. Just last year, Li Congjia's elder brother, Crown Prince Li Hongji, died suddenly, and the throne was bestowed upon Li Congjia.

Honestly, Li Congjia has been quite happy lately.

Following Zhao Dexiu from Huainan to Jiangling, traveling thousands of miles, he was free from political distractions and could devote himself to studying poetry.

Overcome with sadness, Li Congjia looked at Zhao Dexiu.

From Li Congjia's perspective, Zhao Dexiu shared many similarities with him:

Both were exceptionally talented and both shouldered heavy national responsibilities at a young age.
"If Yuan Ying hadn't been entangled in worldly affairs, he would have likely produced a masterpiece long ago."

Previously, to show that he valued Li Congjia, Zhao Dexiu had allowed Li Congjia to address him by his courtesy name in private.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu knew that the emotional buildup was sufficient and it was time to move on to the next step.

Zhao Dexiu led Li Congjia to sit down, and then began to speak:
"Throughout history, once the fundamental principles and relationships between suzerain and vassal states have been established, there is a fear that future rulers may not abide by them, leading to the loss of peace and the resurgence of war."

Originally, with me and Chongguang present between the Song and Tang dynasties, there would have been no such worries, and the two countries could have shared peace for two generations.

But the world changes too quickly, and I have no control over it.

Zhao Dexiu's sudden change of tone surprised Li Congjia.

From Zhao Dexiu's words, Li Congjia sensed some dangerous signs.

What does Yuan Ying mean by this?

Upon hearing Li Congjia's question, Zhao Dexiu hesitated.

Then, as if realizing that this matter could not be kept secret forever, Zhao Dexiu carefully chose his words and said:
"Just now, intelligence was sent that Zhou Xingfeng intends to send an envoy to contact your country in order to jointly attack our army from both sides."

As soon as Zhao Dexiu finished speaking, Li Congjia's expression changed drastically.

He recalled the scene when he entered the palace earlier, where many Song generals glared at him angrily.

At that time, he was still puzzled as to why malice was released for no reason.

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's words, Li Congjia suddenly realized—the Song and Tang dynasties were about to go to war?

The thought of this possibility sent chills down Li Congjia's spine.

Zhao Dexiu, who had been observing Li Congjia's expression, noticed a change in Li Congjia's demeanor and immediately continued:

"Regardless of whether the two armies go to war again, my promise will not change."

"Chongguang will surely return to Jiangnan."

When Zhao Dexiu's words reached Li Congjia's ears, they deeply moved him.

Unexpectedly, at this critical juncture, Zhao Dexiu was still willing to let him return to his country. He was truly a sincere person.

Despite being moved, Li Congjia's worries did not diminish in the slightest.

During his time with Zhao Dexiu, Li Congjia personally experienced just how strong the Song army's fighting power was.

They also knew that every Song general was as terrifying as a wild beast.

Why go to war?
Zhao Dexiu's sincerity led Li Congjia to believe that if he and Zhao Dexiu were to ascend the throne together in the future, it would be entirely possible for the Song and Tang dynasties to maintain peace for decades.

Peace is invaluable!
Instead of seeking peace that is within reach, Li Congjia, as the crown prince of Southern Tang, would never allow a war with a low probability of victory to be started.

Having made up his mind, Li Congjia quickly stood up and bowed to Zhao Dexiu:

"The news that our army is going to participate in the war must be a false message released by Zhou Xingfeng."

Zhou Xingfeng harbors malicious intentions and seeks to sow discord between the two countries. We hope the King of Taiyuan will see this clearly.

Li Congjia's confident assurances made Zhao Dexiu's expression even more hesitant.

“I am willing to believe Chongguang’s words.”

But, alas!
What if this is true?

Seeing that Zhao Dexiu's concerns had not diminished, Li Congjia said solemnly:
"After I return to my country, this matter will certainly not come to pass!"

Li Congjia's voice was booming and full of confidence.

Upon hearing Li Congjia's guarantee, Zhao Dexiu couldn't help but clap his hands in praise:
"The demeanor of a crown prince from Jiangnan is now evident!"

(End of this chapter)