Song Xiu

Chapter 139 A Feast for the Peace of Mind: A Gift from the Imperial Court
Henan Province, Qingzhou.

Zhang Yongde led his family to the outskirts of Qingzhou City, escorted by the Imperial Guards.

Qingzhou's wealth was renowned throughout the Central Plains.

Zhang Yongde's family members looked at the magnificent city with joy on their faces.

Only Zhang Yongde, gazing at the city gates wide open in welcome, wore a solemn expression, lost in thought.

Kaifeng is only a few days away from Qingzhou, thanks to the water transport downstream.

Zhang Yongde set off from Kaifeng in early March and did not arrive at the outskirts of Qingzhou until early May, a journey that took nearly two months.

It was obvious that Zhang Yongde was deliberately delaying on the road.

Along the way, Zhang Yongde led his family to travel around and enjoy the scenery.

With delays of several days here and several days there, the overall time is greatly extended.

As for Zhang Yongde doing this, it seems he is trying to show the world his joy and dispel some unnecessary speculation.

Aside from this reason, Zhang Yongde genuinely didn't want to come to Qingzhou.

Zhang Yongde was a relative of the Zhou dynasty's imperial family, yet he managed to gain the trust of Zhao Kuangyin in the Song dynasty, demonstrating his remarkably keen political acumen.

Not to mention, his son also followed a good master.

Before setting off, Zhao Dexiu asked Zhang Hao to express his hope that Zhang Yongde would travel as much as possible along the way.

Zhang Yongde's keen political sense, coupled with Zhao Dexiu's subtle reminder, made him realize that Qingzhou City might become a dangerous vortex.

Although he didn't know exactly what would happen, Zhang Yongde was not foolish enough to rashly enter the vortex.

"Set up camp outside the city."

Just as his family was about to excitedly enter the city, Zhang Yongde issued an order that puzzled them.

With bustling streets right before us, why should we sleep in the open?

Some family members expressed their opinions to Zhang Yongde, but were reprimanded by him.

Zhang Yongde held great prestige in his family. After he reprimanded someone, even those family members who were unwilling had no choice but to obey.

Zhang Yongde's caution was necessary.

Unbeknownst to him, his every move was being watched by someone inside the city.

When Zhang Yongde chose to camp outside the city, someone in a luxurious mansion inside the city received the news.

This person was Ma Ximeng.

In his early years, Ma Ximeng served as a military advisor to Liu Zhu and gained Liu Zhu's deep trust, accumulating a large amount of wealth for him.

Ma Ximeng's methods for accumulating wealth can be mainly divided into three aspects:
On the one hand, they monopolized the trade in salt, iron, and wine; on the other hand, they sold official positions.

Finally, they falsely accused civilians of being traitors and bandits, and took the opportunity to confiscate their property.

After Liu Zhu was killed by Guo Wei, Ma Ximeng seized all the money for himself.

"Ten thousand yi of gold and one hundred thousand bolts of silk."

While popular speculation may be somewhat exaggerated, it is an undeniable fact that after Liu Zhu's death, Ma Ximeng became the richest man in Qingzhou.

He was known as "Hemp Ten Thousand" by his contemporaries.

After becoming the richest man in Qingzhou, Ma Ximeng did not simply indulge in joy.

Ma Ximeng knew that in chaotic times, without the protection of officials, no matter how much land and property he owned, he could hardly be considered safe.

Knowing this, Ma Ximeng spent a lot of money bribing officials over the years.

Besides officials from Qingzhou, Ma Ximeng also bribed many officials from Bianjing.

Money paved the way, making Ma Ximeng increasingly successful in Qingzhou.

"They annexed tens of thousands of acres of fertile land, as well as the territory of Zizhou."

Even some of the farmland in neighboring prefectures and counties was actually under Ma Ximeng's control.

The use of money to pave the way also made Ma Ximeng a "philanthropist" praised by local officials in Qingzhou.

A good reputation became another shield for Ma Ximeng.

During the reign of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, there were occasional measures to crack down on local powerful clans, but thanks to his good reputation as an official, Ma Ximeng was always able to escape punishment.

In the process of accumulating and protecting wealth, Ma Ximeng realized the benefits of having power protect one another.

Therefore, Ma Ximeng was overjoyed when he learned that Zhang Yongde was coming to Qingzhou to take up a post.

Zhang Yongde was once a general of the Imperial Guards and a benefactor of the emperor. Although Zhang Yongde no longer holds military power, the political resources he has accumulated over the years remain.

Ma Ximeng felt that if he could climb up to Zhang Yongde's powerful backing and have the protection of Zhang Yongde's political resources, he was confident that he could take over all the fertile land in Zizhou within the next few years!
In his mind, Ma Ximeng originally planned to host a grand banquet for Zhang Yongde after he entered the city.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yongde, having already reached the city gate, chose to set up camp outside the city.

Zhang Yongde's unusual behavior aroused suspicion from Ma Ximeng's younger brother, Ma Xizhong.

Ma Xizhong said to Ma Ximeng:
"Is General Zhang's refusal to enter the city related to the recent land survey in the imperial court?"

Upon hearing Ma Xizhong mention this matter, Ma Ximeng frowned.

The imperial edict had been issued to Qingzhou City long ago, but on the very day they received it, the first thing the officials of Qingzhou did was not to act according to the contents of the edict.

They were the first to arrive at Ma Ximeng's residence and inform him of the matter.

Upon learning of this, many in the household were worried, but Ma Ximeng remained quite calm.

From the Later Han Dynasty to the Later Zhou Dynasty, and even to the present day, it is not uncommon for the imperial court to want to investigate the land ownership of the entire country.

Even during the turmoil of the fifth year of Xiande, didn't the Ma family of Qingzhou manage to weather the storm unscathed?
Even Emperor Shizong of Zhou made compromises back then, and Ma Ximeng doesn't think it's possible to do the same today.

Ma Ximeng offered a different perspective on Zhang Yongde's refusal to enter the city:

"Zhang Jieshuai's departure from the capital was due to the court's suspicion."

It's normal to be suspicious and cautious in everything you do.

Qingzhou is a prosperous place, but the wilderness is a bitterly cold place.

Could Zhang Jieshuai go a day without entering the city, or even a month without?
"Don't be impatient."

Ma Ximeng, who is over sixty years old, has seen many storms.

Ma Ximeng believed that Zhang Yongde's refusal to enter the city was entirely out of self-preservation and did not signify any danger.

With Ma Ximeng's reassurance, Ma Xizhong's emotions stabilized considerably.

Then Ma Ximeng asked:

"When will the imperial envoy arrive?"

When questioned by Ma Ximeng, Ma Xizhong said:

"According to the information we received earlier, we should be able to reach the city in two days."

After hearing Ma Xizhong's answer, Ma Ximeng nodded:
"Hide the more than a thousand armored soldiers in the city so that the messenger will not notice them."

General Zhang will not enter the city for the time being, but the imperial envoy must enter the city.

Our most important task right now is to take good care of the imperial envoy.

If they can get the imperial envoy to turn a blind eye, the good times for the Ma family are yet to come!

Spend more money to investigate the detailed background of each envoy.

After receiving Ma Ximeng's instructions, Ma Xizhong quickly turned and left.

After Ma Xizhong left, Ma Ximeng looked at the gloomy sky outside the courtyard with his aging eyes and murmured:
"The emperor governs with his hands folded, and virtuous officials govern the villages. Isn't this the rule of a sage?"
This is how the world should be.

Looking up at the sky that hadn't changed in decades, Ma Ximeng's eyes were no longer clouded.

In May of the second year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty, an imperial envoy led by Lu Duoxun arrived in Qingzhou City.

Upon entering Qingzhou City, Lu Duoxun led several envoys to the government office.

Upon arriving at the government office, Lu Duoxun met a group of officials from the prefecture, led by Zheng Wenxin, the governor of Qingzhou.

After exchanging greetings with Zheng Wenxin, Lu Duoxun asked:
"How is the matter of the people in the prefecture reporting their land ownership? How is the prefectural governor handling it?"

In the "Edict on Investigating Land," the first priority for local government officials was to register the land situation within their jurisdiction in detail.

Faced with Lu Duoxun's question, the obese Zheng Wenxin smiled obsequiously and said:
"The new policies of the imperial court are being implemented gradually in this prefecture."

However, the land in this prefecture is vast and involves many complexities, making it difficult to sort things out in a short time. We urge the envoy to grant us more time.

Zheng Wenxin's answer made Lu Duoxun narrow his eyes.

Lu Duoxun had served as an official in various departments of the imperial court and had a general understanding of the local administrative capabilities of the time.

The edict to investigate land holdings was delivered to the Qingzhou government office around the end of March, and it has been more than a month since then.

In just over a month, we can't say we've been able to get a complete picture of all the farmland within the territory, but we should have a general outline.

Zheng Wenxin can't even give a general outline now, so how could Lu Duoxun believe him?
Having formed a suspicion, Ludoson then asked about another matter:

"Have any people recently filed complaints?" One important measure in the "Edict on the Investigation of Land" was to allow local people to file complaints about illegal acts such as the encroachment on land.

When faced with Ludoson's second question, Zheng Wenxin's smile remained unchanged:
"The local people are honest and simple, and there has never been any report of wrongdoing."

Zheng Wenxin's answer made Lu Duoxun sneer inwardly.

Are the people simple and honest?

Does Zheng Wenxin believe that the present era is the golden age of Zhenguan and Kaiyuan?

Even in prosperous times, it is impossible to completely maintain a simple and honest folk culture.

Lu Duoxun judged from the two questions that Zheng Wenxin was passively neglecting his duties.

Even with this assessment, considering that he had just arrived in Qingzhou, Lu Duoxun did not choose to confront the situation directly.

Seeing that Lu Duoxun showed no sign of anger, Zheng Wenxin patted his large belly and said obsequiously:

"Tonight, the renowned philanthropist Master Ma is hosting a banquet at his residence and cordially invites the envoys to attend."

What do the envoys think?

As soon as Zheng Wenxin finished speaking, the other envoys turned their gazes toward Lu Duoxun.

Clearly, due to Ludoson's special status, he had become the leader of the envoys.

Zheng Wenxin's words made Lu Duoxun's sneer even stronger.

Zheng Wenxin, as the governor of a prefecture, was in charge of the prefecture's military and political affairs. How could he have stooped so low as to relay messages for a mere commoner?

It is easy to imagine how powerful the Ma clan was in Qingzhou.

To avoid alerting the enemy, Ludoson showed no unusual expression. After a moment of feigned hesitation, he nodded and said:

"I'm quite tired after traveling for several days."

It's wonderful that someone is hosting a welcome dinner for us today.

Zheng Wenxin was overjoyed to see that Lu Duoxun was willing to attend the banquet.

After the attendants led Lu Duoxun and the others to a room that had been prepared in advance for a short rest, Zheng Wenxin sent someone to the Ma residence to deliver the message.

Ma An was reassured; the imperial envoy was not entirely unyielding.

As night fell, Lu Duoxun sat in a carriage, led by Zheng Wenxin, and headed to the Ma residence.

After traveling through several streets and alleys, the carriage stopped at a certain spot.

Realizing they had arrived at their destination, Ludoson got off the carriage.

As night fell, most of Qingzhou City was shrouded in darkness.

Only around the Ma residence, numerous lanterns were hung, and the area was as bright as day under the illumination of the many lights.

The darkness outside contrasted sharply with the brightness inside.

This stark contrast gave Lu Duoxun a vague feeling that the candlelight of the entire city of Qingzhou had been absorbed by Ma Ximeng, which was why the Ma clan was so prominent at the moment.

With the help of the bright lights, Ludoson could make out the outline of the Ma Mansion in front of him.

The mansion was grand and occupied a large area, resembling a government office.

At this moment, Lu Duoxun had no idea who the real governor of Qingzhou was.

While Ludoxun was deep in thought, Ma Ximeng led a group of his people down the steps to greet him.

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, Zuo Sima!"

As he spoke, Ma Ximeng bowed deeply to Lu Duoxun and the other envoys.

After performing the ceremony, Ma Ximeng looked at Lu Duoxun with eager eyes.

Previously, Ma Ximeng had instructed Ma Xizhong to thoroughly investigate the information of the envoys who came to Qingzhou.

It was this investigation that led Ma Ximeng to discover a big fish.

To Ma Ximeng's surprise, Lu Duoxun, a member of the delegation, was actually a confidant of Prince Jin.

If the Prince of Jin, as the crown prince, could use his connection with Lu Duoxun to climb up to the Prince of Jin, then what worries would Ma Shi have in the future?

Not to mention in the local area, with the help of Zhao Dexiu's power, it would be extremely easy to completely whitewash the Ma family and make them a prominent family.

This matter concerns the future of the family, so how could Ma Ximeng not be excited?

Lu Duoxun noticed Ma Ximeng's excitement and, with Ma Ximeng's warm welcome, followed him into the banquet hall.

The banquet was already filled with fine wines and delicacies.

As he inhaled the intoxicating fragrance, Lu Duoxun recalled the large number of refugees he had encountered on his journey eastward since leaving Kaifeng.

After glancing briefly at Ma Ximeng, Lu Duoxun sat down at the table.

After Lu Duoxun sat down, Ma Ximeng raised his glass first and said:
"Commander Zuo, you must be tired from your journey. Let me offer you a toast first."

After a series of toasts and exchanges, three rounds of drinks had already been served.

Seeing that Lu Duoxun's face showed signs of alcohol, Ma Ximeng tentatively asked:

"The Left Sima has come on the king's orders, and he will likely be busy with official duties soon."

I have some minor reputation in Qingzhou. If the Left Sima needs any assistance, please feel free to speak up.

Upon hearing Ma Ximeng's probing, Lu Duoxun looked troubled and said:

"His Majesty sent me to Qingzhou to investigate the fields. This matter is very complicated, and I do not know where to begin."

Lu Duoxun's troubles pleased Ma Ximeng.

Ma Ximeng knew that the local government was the one who would carry out the land survey, while the envoys from each prefecture would be the supervisors.

If the envoys turn a blind eye, he could escape this major investigation with the support of the government.

As for how to prevent Ludoson from fulfilling his supervisory duties?

We can start by addressing Ludoson's predicament.

Ma Ximeng waved for the other tribesmen to step back, and Lu Duoxun, seeing this, also asked the other envoys to leave the scene first.

Once only three people remained at the table, Ma Ximeng said to Lu Duoxun:
"I am willing to offer half of my family fortune to Your Highness Prince Jin."

Zheng Wenxin was greatly surprised when Ma Ximeng said this, and even Lu Duoxun was somewhat moved.

Ma Ximeng is a man of great courage and determination.

For Ma Ximeng, giving up half of his family fortune would be tantamount to cutting off his own flesh.

However, Ma Ximeng had two considerations in doing so.

One reason was to gain Zhao Dexiu's political protection, and the other was to spend money to protect his territory.

In times of chaos, grain is equivalent to gold. Where there is land, there is grain. As long as one's land is not lost, any amount of wealth can be earned back in the future.

Ma Ximeng also made preparations for Lu Duoxun in order to get him to relay his message.

"I am old and frail and cannot do anything for the country."

Now that Zuo Sima has been working tirelessly for the country, I would like to prepare some small items to help him relieve his fatigue.

This can be considered my sincere devotion to the country.

Then Ma Ximeng clapped his hands, and several servants carried a box into the room.

When the box landed and was opened by the servants, it revealed a large amount of gold and silver inside.

Looking at the large amount of gold and silver presented before him, Ludoson was clearly tempted.

But Ludoson still had some concerns:
"The imperial court has issued an edict to investigate the fields. If Qingzhou finds nothing, it will be difficult to withstand public criticism."

Upon hearing Lu Duoxun's concerns, Ma Ximeng, feeling confident that everything was under control, smiled and said:

"Do not worry, Zuo Sima. I will not allow His Highness Prince Jin's political achievements to be tarnished."

Ma Ximeng believed that Zhao Dexiu sent Lu Duoxun to Qingzhou in order to accumulate some political achievements.

He owns a large amount of land, so handing over some of it won't have any impact.

Sacrificing pawns to save the chariot was something Ma Ximeng often did.

Seeing Ma Ximeng's assurance, Lu Duoxun's doubts were finally dispelled.

“Zhang Jieshuai outside the city, Ma Gong cannot be ignored either.”

Lu Duoxun's nickname "Master Ma" pleased Ma Ximeng immensely.

"It's natural."

Ma Ximeng smiled as he said this.

Seeing the smile on Ma Ximeng's face, Lu Duoxun tilted his head back and swallowed a glass of wine, then slammed the glass heavily on the table.

His Highness Prince Jin does not need anyone's charity!

(End of this chapter)