Song Xiu

Chapter 141 Regent Prince Jin's Treasure and Car God
After successfully capturing Ma Ximeng and Zheng Wenxin, Lu Duoxun led his troops into Qingzhou City.

The officials of Qingzhou and the members of the Ma clan in the city were caught off guard by the sudden turn of events tonight.

With Zheng Wenxin arrested, most officials in Qingzhou had no intention of openly rebelling against the imperial court.

As for the Ma clan, many of them were still dreaming in their beds when the Imperial Guards stormed into their residences.

Even though some audacious members of the Ma clan thought of mobilizing the city's troops to stir up trouble, they all lost their will to resist after learning of Ma Ximeng's arrest.

Thanks to Lu Duoxun's meticulous and resourceful arrangements, by dawn the entire city of Qingzhou was under his control.

When Lu Duoxun was arranging affairs, Zhang Yongde always kept a wine pot by his side.

Zhang Yongde sipped his wine while looking at Lu Duoxun's arrangements.

Zhang Yongde's initial intention in doing this was to help Lu Duoxun identify and address any shortcomings.

The family's hopes rest on Zhao Dexiu's side, so Zhang Yongde couldn't afford not to put in extra effort to help him.

As a military man, Zhang Yongde had always looked down on scholars.

In Zhang Yongde's impression, most literati were people who engaged in idle talk and wild discussions.

Zhang Yongde was worried that Lu Duoxun, like most "mediocre scholars," would be overwhelmed when dealing with urgent matters.

To Zhang Yongde's surprise, after observing Lu Duoxun overnight, he found that Lu Duoxun was quite methodical in arranging emergency matters.

"The Left Sima is resourceful and decisive, truly a hero of his time."

“The Prince of Jin is surrounded by a wealth of talented people.”

After praising Lu Duoxun, Zhang Yongde sighed sincerely.

Zhang Yongde served through several dynasties and met countless high-ranking officials. Among them, many were cunning, but few were as decisive as Lu Duoxun.

Zhang Yongde's praise brought a smile to Lu Duoxun's face.

Unlike Lü Duan, Lu Duoxun was often more direct in his temperament.

Despite his joy, Ludoson was still aware of his own limitations.

"If he had not followed the Prince of Jin in his campaigns, he would probably not have the courage and determination he has today."

This is Ludosen's honest opinion.

During his year working under Zhao Dexiu, Lu Duoxun's position and power continued to rise, and his own abilities were also greatly honed.

Most people in the world are of average ability.

The reason why some people are able to leave their mark on history is largely because they encountered benefactors who gave them the opportunity to showcase their talents and hone their abilities.

Seeing that it was unlikely that any further trouble would arise in Qingzhou City, Zhang Yongde began to yawn repeatedly:
"These past two days, I have only been drinking; I know nothing else."

After leaving those words, Zhang Yongde covered his yawning mouth and strode towards his mansion in the city.

Officially moving today!

After Zhang Yongde left the government office, Lu Duoxun gave him a deep look:
If Zhang Yongde can continue like this, he may well be able to return to the central government once the political situation stabilizes in the future.

The thought flashed through my mind.

After Zhang Yongde's figure completely disappeared, Lu Duoxun sat in the governor's seat and began to copy a memorial.

If the name is not correct, the words will not be correct.

To make Qingzhou the breakthrough point for "New Tianzheng", he needs more power.

Inspections should be transformed into oversight!
Mid-May of the second year of the Jianlong reign of the Song Dynasty.

A report sent from Qingzhou was presented in the office of the Consultative Province.

Zhao Dexiu, who was then serving as the advisor, saw that the memorial was submitted by Lu Duoxun and immediately began to read it.

After reading the report, Zhao Dexiu's face showed anger:
"The Ma family of Qingzhou, they really have a lot of nerve."

Because the entire court has been busy with the "New Field Administration" matter recently, Shen Yilun, Chu Zhaofu, Lü Yuqing and other remonstrance officials were all in the Consultation Department on this day.

Zhao Dexiu's anger prompted Shen Yilun to react first. He cupped his hands and said:

"Your Highness, has something happened in Qingzhou?"

Shen Yilun offered a guess.

Those who could serve in the advisory ministry were all skilled in political strategy, and they knew that the promulgation of the "New Field Policy" would inevitably provoke local resistance.

What surprised Shen Yilun was that the resistance in Qingzhou came so quickly.

Shen Yilun's question drew the attention of all the officials.

Under the watchful eyes of all the officials, Zhao Dexiu spoke:
"Ma Ximeng, the clan chief of the Ma clan in Qingzhou, colluded with Zheng Wenxin, the governor of Qingzhou, in an attempt to deceive the imperial court with false land registers."

Their scheme was successfully foiled by Prefect Lu Duoxun.

At this point, Zhao Dexiu paused for a moment before reorganizing his thoughts and saying:

"After capturing the two thieves, Lu Duoxun sent troops to continue investigating their details."

Upon further investigation, Lu Duoxun discovered that Ma Ximeng had been amassing armor and weapons, and had secretly carved jade seals, intending to plot a treacherous scheme.

When Zhao Dexiu uttered these words, the officials in the hall were immediately shocked.

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the imperial court has maintained strict control over the "armor and weapons" of the common people.

Anyone who dares to secretly amass an army is committing treason.

Moreover, the jade seal is the emperor's exclusive imperial seal.

These two pieces of evidence are enough to convict the Ma family of Qingzhou of treason.

It is not surprising that local powerful clans colluded with officials to secretly resist the new policies.

I never imagined that local powerful families would stoop so low as to harbor rebellious intentions.

After the initial shock, Chu Zhaofu advised:
"This matter should be reported to His Majesty immediately."

Chu Zhaofu's suggestion made Zhao Dexiu nod in agreement.

"Go alone."

"You may continue your discussion of the imperial examination."

After saying this, Zhao Dexiu got up and walked out of the government office.

After Zhao Dexiu left, the officials in the government office temporarily put aside their attention to Qingzhou and began to discuss the specific details of the "new civil service examination policy".

Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Years, Zhao Kuangyin was lying face down on a couch, his upper garment completely undone, revealing numerous wounds.

Wang Ji'en, sitting beside the bed, was carefully grinding the medicine powder according to the physician's instructions.

While Wang Ji'en was grinding the medicinal powder, Zhao Kuangyin asked somewhat idly:

"It has been almost a year since the Prince of Jin got married, has the Princess Consort sent any good news yet?"

In Wang Ji'en's memory, this was not the first time Zhao Kuangyin had asked about this matter; it seemed that he had asked about it just last month.
Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's question, Wang Ji'en respectfully replied:

Not yet.

As the Princess Consort of Jin, if Li Duoruo were to become pregnant, it would certainly be recorded in the imperial physician's medical records.

Once a record was made, Wang Ji'en, the chief eunuch of the imperial palace, would receive the news.

Zhao Kuangyin was somewhat dissatisfied with Wang Ji'en's answer.

“In this respect, the Prince of Jin is unlike me.”

Zhao Kuangyin had the confidence to say that.

When he married Ms. He, she became pregnant not long after the marriage.

If Zhao Hongyin had not left offspring early, how could he have agreed to let Zhao Kuangyin travel around at such a young age?

Zhao Kuangyin's tone sounded like dissatisfaction, but it was actually full of Zhao Dexiu's concern.

As a shrewd and astute person, how could Wang Ji'en not know this?

"Your Majesty has misunderstood Prince Jin."

Not long after the King of Jin got married, he went on a southern expedition for the country.

After returning to the capital, the Prince of Jin was busy with the affairs of the new government.

This servant has heard that Prince Jin has rarely returned to his residence in recent months, spending most of his time sleeping in the Advisory Council.

Hearing Wang Ji'en mention this matter, Zhao Kuangyin was quite pleased.

“In this respect, the Prince of Jin is very much like me, being diligent in government affairs.”

As he spoke, a smile appeared on Zhao Kuangyin's face.

Seeing that Zhao Kuangyin was very satisfied with Zhao Dexiu, Wang Ji'en was secretly delighted.

Just as the master and servant were talking, a palace attendant came in to report that the Prince of Jin was outside requesting an audience.

Upon hearing this report, Zhao Kuangyin immediately ordered his eunuchs to bring Zhao Dexiu in.

Soon after, Zhao Dexiu arrived at the inner palace with a memorial in his hands.

Upon arriving at Zhao Kuangyin's bedside, Zhao Dexiu saw a wooden basin placed beside the bed.

The wooden basin was filled with the medicine powder that Wang Ji'en had just ground.

Seeing this, Zhao Dexiu quickly stepped forward. Realizing Zhao Dexiu's intention, the clever Wang Ji'en put down the pestle in his hand and stood up to step aside.

After taking the handkerchief from Wang Ji'en, Zhao Dexiu said softly:

"Father, let me apply the medicine for you."

Zhao Dexiu's request prompted Zhao Kuangyin to move his body slightly closer to the edge of the bed.

Zhao Kuangyin did not verbally grant permission, but his actions spoke volumes.

After obtaining Zhao Kuangyin's permission, Zhao Dexiu sat down in front of the bed, dipped a silk handkerchief into the medicine basin, filled it with powder, and then applied the handkerchief to a wound on Zhao Kuangyin's back.

That wound was an arrow wound.

Zhao Dexiu had seen the wound on Zhao Kuangyin's back before.

In previous years, whenever Zhao Kuangyin returned home wounded from battle, he would have Zhao Dexiu apply medicine and bandages for him to avoid worrying Lady He.

When the cool medicinal powder touched the wound, Zhao Kuangyin said in a muffled voice:

"I still remember the first time you applied medicine to me; you were too rough and hurt me badly."

Who would have thought that the emperor, who was so majestic in the eyes of his ministers, would make such joking remarks in front of his own son?

Zhao Kuangyin's complaint made Zhao Dexiu's lips curl up slightly.

After smiling, Zhao Dexiu asked with concern:

"Has Father's old injury been flaring up frequently lately?"

Upon hearing Zhao Dexiu's question, Zhao Kuangyin feigned ease and replied:
"It's nothing serious, it's nothing serious."

After calming Zhao Dexiu down and reassuring him so he wouldn't worry too much, Zhao Kuangyin continued:

"When the weather is hot and the rain is frequent, the old injury will occasionally flare up once or twice."

Several imperial physicians were consulted, but none could cure the condition.

"After a while, I got used to it."

After answering Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly realized something:

"Didn't I issue an edict a few days ago appointing you as regent?"
"Why are you here at the Palace of Ten Thousand Years if you're not in the Council of Consultants?"

While enjoying Zhao Dexiu's service, Zhao Kuangyin began to "reprimand" Zhao Dexiu for neglecting his duties.

When Zhao Kuangyin asked him, Zhao Dexiu explained his original intention for coming to the Wansui Palace.

After hearing Zhao Dexiu's report, Zhao Kuangyin did not hesitate much:
"Zheng Wenxin, Mahimeng Qishi.

The officials were ordered to thoroughly investigate the crimes of the two men's associates and relatives; those who deserved execution were executed, those who deserved exile were exiled, and all their property was confiscated by the government.

After learning of Zhao Kuangyin's decision, Zhao Dexiu added:
"Why not send their heads to various prefectures and counties to demonstrate the inviolability of the might of the Great Song Dynasty?"

Zhao Dexiu's suggestion was approved by Zhao Kuangyin.

"You're right, let's do it that way."

In just a few words, the father and son on the bed casually settled a matter of life and death concerning hundreds of people.

Wang Ji'en, who was standing to the side, was still immersed in the warm father-son relationship between the emperor and the Prince of Jin.

At that moment, he felt as if he were standing in an ice cellar, shivering with cold.

The warmth was genuine, but it was limited to the relationship between him and his son.

To outsiders, the emperor is still the emperor, and the crown prince is still the crown prince.

After discussing the affairs of Qingzhou, Zhao Kuangyin gave a light hum.

Zhao Dexiu had applied medicine to Zhao Kuangyin many times, and it had become a habit.

Zhao Kuangyin's hum was a reminder that it was time to apply the medicine to a different spot.

After placing the herb-soaked handkerchief back on the knife wound on his back, Zhao Dexiu continued:
"The Central Plains are a vast region spanning thousands of miles."

Those like Ma Ximeng are not limited to Qingzhou.

Your Majesty, I believe that in order to prevent any delays in the administration of Xintian, Your Majesty should establish a provincial advisory office in Henan Province.

The best course of action would be to appoint high-ranking officials from the imperial court to oversee the implementation of the new policies in all prefectures and counties.

Zhao Dexiu's advice struck Zhao Kuangyin as quite reasonable.

Last year, Zhao Kuangyin had already discussed with his ministers the matter of establishing provincial advisory offices in local areas.

Once the Henan Province is established, it will inevitably further strengthen the imperial court's control over local new policies.

If it was beneficial to the country, Zhao Kuangyin had no reason to object.

"Just do as you say."

Let's temporarily set up the administrative center of Henan Province in Qingzhou.

Lu Duoxun handled the upheaval in Qingzhou very well, so he was promoted to Left Advisor, a third-rank official, and appointed to oversee all new policies in Henan Province in your stead.

After issuing this imperial edict, Zhao Kuangyin remembered something:

"Let the Marquis of Donghai take on the position of Right Minister of the Imperial Secretariat."

After announcing this decision, Zhao Kuangyin praised Zhao Dexiu:

"You handled the matter of Guangyi's defeat and national humiliation in Huainan very well."

Zhao Kuangyin praised him in this way because after Zhao Dexiu pacified Huainan, he ordered the soldiers not to talk about the "Huainan Chariot God" anymore.

Zhao Dexiu gave this order because of Zhao Guangyi's status as a member of the royal family.

What Zhao Dexiu thought of Zhao Guangyi in secret was one thing, but on the surface, Zhao Dexiu had to maintain the dignity of the royal family.

This is the demeanor a crown prince of the Song Dynasty should have.

Furthermore, prohibiting public discussion does not mean that private dissemination can be prevented.

In any case, as far as Zhao Dexiu knew, the Imperial Guards were basically aware of this scandal.

After that, Zhao Guangyi would find it difficult to gain any further control over the military.

After praising Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Kuangyin's tone became displeased:

"Guangyi was quite capable in governing, but I never imagined he would be so incompetent in military affairs."

That day in Yanshou Palace, I was so angry that I whipped him several times before I could vent my anger.

Fortunately, the Song Dynasty has you.

Comparing yourself to others is just asking for trouble.

Amidst his indignation, Zhao Kuangyin also expressed a hint of helplessness:

"Guangyi's military affairs are unbearable to witness; the only way is to let him contribute more to the country in political affairs."

After expressing his helplessness, Zhao Kuangyin said again:
"Although he is the emperor's uncle, you are the regent and crown prince. You must know how to manage your ministers."

These words clearly show that Zhao Guangyi's disgraceful deeds in Huainan caused a major change in Zhao Kuangyin's attitude towards him.

In Zhao Kuangyin's mind, Zhao Guangyi had been completely reduced to the category of "subject".

Zhao Kuangyin even wanted Zhao Dexiu to hone his skills in managing his subjects by controlling Zhao Guangyi.

Zhao Kuangyin's words made Zhao Dexiu nod slightly.

"Father, rest assured, I understand."

As Zhao Dexiu nodded, his work of applying medicine to Zhao Kuangyin was almost finished.

After Zhao Dexiu finished applying the medicine, Zhao Kuangyin waved his hand and said:
"Go, go!

You still have to deal with the imperial examinations; how can you stay away from the Consultative Office for so long?

I hereby grant you the power to oversee the country. Act boldly, and I will be watching if you make any mistakes.

"If there is no urgent matter, do not disturb me again. I need to rest for a while."

While he was saying that Zhao Dexiu should rest and recuperate, Zhao Kuangyin was actually giving him enough space to display his political talents.

After being "driven away" by Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Dexiu walked out of the Wansui Hall with Wang Ji'en personally escorting him.

After arriving outside the hall, Zhao Dexiu, seeing that no one was around, said to Wang Ji'en:

"The Empress Dowager has been bedridden lately, which worries me greatly."

"If anything happens, please let Ji'en know in advance."

In his speech just now, Zhao Kuangyin mentioned the incident of whipping Zhao Guangyi in Yanqing Palace.

From this incident, Zhao Dexiu realized that Zhao Guangyi was forgiven by Zhao Kuangyin, and that his grandmother must have done a lot of work behind the scenes.

Mama's boy, racing god.

On the surface, Zhao Dexiu's words seemed perfectly reasonable, but Wang Ji'en, being an extremely astute person, discerned the underlying meaning in them.

Wang Ji'en bowed and said:

"Your Highness, rest assured, I am here in the inner palace."

A simple promise made Zhao Dexiu nod in satisfaction and leave.

(End of this chapter)