Song Xiu

Chapter 98 The Reform of Luzhou: Signs of Redundant Officials

The next morning, many generals who had followed Li Jun in the rebellion laid down their weapons and removed their armor, and came to the Song army camp to surrender.

Of course, they also brought with them an essential pledge of allegiance—Li Jun's head.

When Zhao Kuangyin learned of this, he smiled and said to the ministers in his tent, "Prince of Taiyuan, your plan has succeeded!"

After saying this, Zhao Kuangyin led his officials to the outside of the camp.

After confirming that Li Jun's head was indeed his, Zhao Kuangyin ordered his attendants to help the kneeling generals to their feet.

Before I quelled the rebellion, I made a pact with the people: "Only the ringleaders will be executed."

Now that the chief culprit is dead, I will never break my promise.

"I will not dismiss any of you from your official positions."

Upon hearing Zhao Kuangyin's words, all the generals of Li Jun showed joy on their faces.

Zhao Kuangyin was truly unlike any emperor before him.

While Li Jun and his generals were overjoyed, their sense of belonging to the Song Dynasty also grew rapidly.

After accepting the surrender of Li Jun's generals, Zhao Kuangyin publicly appointed Li Jixun as the military governor of Zhaoyi Army and ordered him to go to Shangdang to garrison Luzhou.

"After you arrive in Shangdang and take over from the Prince of Taiyuan, tell him not to delay and to head south as soon as possible."

I want to see him as soon as possible.

The previous sentence was something Zhao Kuangyin didn't say aloud, but the ministers present could easily understand the underlying meaning in his words.

As one of Zhao Kuangyin's "Ten Righteous Brothers," Li Jixun, who knew Zhao Kuangyin's intentions well, would not hesitate.

That very day, Li Jixun led his troops and galloped towards Luzhou.

Father and son are of one mind.

Under Zhao Dexiu's appeasement policy, which was exactly the same as Zhao Kuangyin's, the situation in various parts of Luzhou stabilized completely within a few days.

During this rare period of leisure, Lü Qiu Zhongqing, along with Yang Ye's family, returned to the outskirts of Shangdang City.

Originally, Lü Qiu Zhongqing could have returned south much earlier.

The reason for the delay was mainly due to Yang Ye's wife, Lady Zhe.

Remembering Zhao Dexiu's instructions, Lü Qiu Zhongqing informed Madam Zhe of the news in advance, even as rumors were circulating in Taiyuan.

As the daughter of a military family, Madam Zhe was well aware that she might be implicated after learning about Lu Qiu Zhongqing's situation.

Despite these concerns, Lady Zhe did not resist Lu Qiu Zhongqing's suggestion and fled Daizhou first under the protection of her personal guards.

But just as Lü Qiu Zhongqing was about to lead Lady Zhe on a continued journey south, Lady Zhe became unwilling.

"How can I be sure that you are not an envoy sent by the Marquis of Taiyuan?"

If you lure me to Huguan and use me as a leverage to coerce my husband, wouldn't I be harming him?

After saying that, Madam Zhe refused to continue south.

Previously, Lü Qiu Zhongqing claimed that he was sent by Zhe Deyi to protect Madam Zhe.

Clearly, Lu Qiu Zhongqing's previous explanation had not completely fooled Madam Zhe.

Lady Zhe insisted on not going south, and Zhao Dexiu had given a strict order to treat Yang Ye's family well, which left Lü Qiu Zhongqing at a loss.

He could only write to Zhao Dexiu about the matter while accompanying Yang Ye's family to rest in a safe area outside Daizhou.

Upon learning of this, Zhao Dexiu smiled and said to Yang Ye:
“Zhongqing is a brilliant strategist under my command, but I never expected that his strategist skills would be of no use to your wife.”

Zhao Dexiu's words revealed his praise for Madam Zhe.

After saying this, Zhao Dexiu gestured for Yang Ye to write a letter explaining the situation.

After Yang Ye's handwritten letter arrived, Madam Zhe finally stopped resisting and continued her journey south.

To commend Lü Qiu Zhongqing's contributions and to show respect for Yang Ye, Zhao Dexiu chose to go out of the city to welcome Lü Qiu Zhongqing and his party after learning that they were about to arrive at the city gate.

Zhao Dexiu's move was something neither Lu Qiu Zhongqing nor Madam Zhe had expected.

Zhao Kuangyin's decree conferring the title of king arrived in Shangdang City well in advance.

Now the entire Luzhou region knows that Zhao Dexiu is now the Prince of Taiyuan of the Great Song Dynasty.

The rank of Prince of the Commandery is highly prestigious, currently second only to the Emperor, and is a significant improvement over the former rank of Marquis of the Commandery.

The feeling evoked by a marquis personally welcoming someone is quite different from that evoked by a prince.

Zhao Dexiu's high regard for Lu Qiu Zhongqing deeply moved not only, but also Madam Zhe.

Led by Lü Qiu Zhongqing, Lady Zhe, holding little Yan Zhao, bowed deeply to Zhao Dexiu as he left the city.

"Greetings, Your Highness, Prince of Taiyuan!"

After the worship, Zhao Dexiu smiled and gently helped the two of them up.

"Without Zhongqing, would I be where I am today?"

If Lu Qiu Zhongqing hadn't volunteered, the counter-espionage operation would have faced many more twists and turns.

If the matter drags on, the Imperial Guards of Zezhou might be able to launch a direct and fierce attack on Gaoping. In that case, the credit for quelling the rebellion would not fall on Zhao Dexiu.

Zhao Dexiu's words demonstrate his affirmation of Lu Qiu Zhongqing's contributions.

Zhao Dexiu's affirmation delighted Lü Qiu Zhongqing.

“Your Highness, I still have some of the gold and silver I brought north. After entering the city, I will return it to the treasury.”

Zhao Dexiu was somewhat dissatisfied with Lü Qiu Zhongqing's words.

"Having already given away their wealth, why should they return it?"

"Once the great undertaking is accomplished, you may dispose of the money as you see fit; there's no need to ask further."

Zhao Dexiu's words surprised Lü Qiu Zhongqing.

He instinctively wanted to politely decline, saying, "There's plenty of money left."

Before Lü Qiu Zhongqing could finish speaking, Zhao Dexiu interrupted him, saying:

"There is no need to discuss this matter further."

Zhao Dexiu's interruption caused Lu Qiu Zhongqing's expression to slowly change from surprise to delight.

After speaking with Lü Qiu Zhongqing, Zhao Dexiu turned his gaze to Madam Zhe.

Noticing Zhao Dexiu's gaze, Madam Zhe, dressed in military uniform, bowed and sincerely praised:
"The Prince of Taiyuan has piercing eyes and is of immeasurable nobility; he is truly my lord!"

As husband and wife are one, Madam Zhe's words can also be interpreted as her speaking on behalf of Yang Ye.

Upon hearing Madam Zhe's words, Lü Qiu Zhongqing immediately held her in even higher regard.

Recalling that after leaving Daizhou, in order to avoid being forced by herself, Madam Zhe immediately put on military uniform and took up a sharp blade to protect herself.

Lu Qiu Zhongqing originally thought that such a strong-willed woman might not change her tough attitude after meeting the Prince.

I really didn't expect that.

After hearing Madam Zhe's praise, Zhao Dexiu smiled.

Since being crowned king, Zhao Dexiu had heard so much praise from others that he had become almost immune to it.

Zhao Dexiu's smile was because she was happy for Yang Ye.

How could he not see that Madam Zhe's submissive praise was a magic shield for Yang Ye?
"General Yang is truly blessed to have such a virtuous wife."

Scouts reported that there had been unusual activity by the Khitans on the border, so I ordered General Yang to go north to investigate. He has not been in the city for some time.

Gold, silver, mansions, servants—I have already had them all prepared.

"Since your entire Yang family has come to join us, I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Zhao Dexiu's assurance caused Madam Zhe to bow again:

"Thank you for your kindness, Prince."

As Zhao Dexiu looked at the thankful Madam Zhe, another layer of purpose behind his personal welcome came to mind.

Lady Zhe's father, Zhe Deyi, was a key general of the Song Dynasty stationed in the northwest.

Madam Zhe's attitude could easily influence Zhe Deyi.

The Zhe family will be of great use to Zhao Dexiu in the future.

In the northwest, there are the Dangxiang tribe and the Dingnan army.

Several days after Lü Qiu Zhongqing and others returned south, Li Jixun led his troops to the outskirts of Shangdang City.

With the imperial edict in his hand, Li Jixun successfully took over command of the Crane Control Army from Zhao Dexiu.

After the handover was completed, Li Jixun, who had lost the imperial mandate, bowed to Zhao Dexiu and said, "Prince of Taiyuan, His Majesty is waiting for you outside Gaoping City. Please head south immediately."

The Prince of Taiyuan held a position above all other officials.

Even though Li Jixun was already a regional military commander, he still had to bow to Zhao Dexiu when facing him.

Upon hearing Li Jixun's words, Zhao Dexiu understood Zhao Kuangyin's urgency.

Without much delay, Zhao Dexiu, along with his personal guards from Chanzhou and a group of officials, rode towards Gaoping City that very day.

Here it comes!

In early July of the first year of the Jianlong era of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Dexiu led the group to the outskirts of Gaoping City.

When a group carrying the royal flag appeared outside the Song army camp, it quickly attracted the attention of many people.

Many people, including high-ranking officials and generals of the imperial guards, were observing Zhao Dexiu from the sidelines.

The army set out in late April, and less than three months have passed since then.

However, in such a short period of time, Zhao Dexiu transformed from a minor Marquis of Taiyuan with a reputation for virtue into the Prince of Taiyuan, whose name was known throughout several prefectures.

This tremendous increase in influence was truly beyond everyone's expectations.

Despite their surprise, most people looked at Zhao Dexiu with admiration.

After dismounting outside the camp, Wang Ji'en, who had been waiting there, came forward to greet him.

When Zhao Dexiu was granted the title of king, Wang Ji'en was undoubtedly one of the happiest among the officials.

Upon meeting Zhao Dexiu, Wang Ji'en said, "His Majesty knew that the Prince of Taiyuan would be arriving today, so he had me guarding outside the camp early on."

His Majesty has recently been troubled by the matter of reforming Luzhou.

After briefly mentioning his own hard work, Wang Ji'en began to play his role.

After hearing Wang Ji'en's advice, Zhao Dexiu nodded.

As time went on, his relationship with Wang Ji'en also became more unusual.

The two were bound together by the debt of gratitude for being saved.

As Zhao Dexiu's status rose, Wang Ji'en, who was extremely power-hungry, increasingly aligned his political stance with Zhao Dexiu, taking advantage of the past favor of saving his life.

Because one of them was in the inner court and the other in the outer court, many things could not be said openly, but they understood each other without saying a word.

While Zhao Dexiu was pondering, Wang Ji'en continued:

“A few days ago, His Majesty, mindful of my diligent service, granted me the privilege of recognizing my ancestors and returning to my clan. I have now changed my name to Wang Ji’en.”

This was originally just a simple notification from Wang Ji'en.

Unexpectedly, these words stirred up a huge wave in Zhao Dexiu's heart.

So you're Wang Ji'en!

As Zhao Guangyi's number one political ally in the palace during his later years, Zhao Dexiu naturally knew this name.

In the early days in the palace, Zhao Dexiu also secretly investigated the existence of Wang Ji'en.

However, Zhao Dexiu gained nothing.

Zhao Dexiu originally thought that it was because he did not have enough influence in the palace that he was unable to find out about Wang Ji'en.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Dejun was Wang Ji'en.

What a fine example of not recognizing the true nature of Mount Lu!

Regardless of her inner thoughts, Zhao Dexiu outwardly appeared to be happy for Wang Ji'en.

"The name Wang Ji'en is very auspicious."

Even for a eunuch, being able to recognize his ancestors and return to his clan was a great joy for Wang Ji'en.

Wang Ji'en didn't understand Zhao Dexiu's hidden meaning; he simply thought Zhao Dexiu was genuinely happy for him.

Along the way, Wang Ji'en secretly revealed many palace secrets to Zhao Dexiu.

As a eunuch increasingly valued by Zhao Kuangyin, Wang Ji'en's influence within the palace was secretly and rapidly expanding.

“Some people have recently been spreading rumors throughout the palace, saying that Zhang Qiong, the commander of the palace guards, has engaged in embezzlement.”

Upon hearing this news, Zhao Dexiu took it seriously.

During this time, his uncle in Kaifeng must have been quite busy as well.

As he was thinking, Zhao Dexiu arrived outside the imperial tent.

After leading Zhao Dexiu outside the imperial tent, Wang Ji'en stopped in his tracks.

"His Majesty is waiting for the Prince of Taiyuan inside the tent."

As a palace attendant, he dared not enter the tent at this moment, presumably because Zhao Kuangyin had given prior orders that he should only see him.

Realizing this, Zhao Dexiu did not hesitate to lift the curtain and walk in.

Bright sunlight streamed through the windows of the imperial tent, allowing Zhao Dexiu to clearly see Zhao Kuangyin, who was bent over his desk reviewing memorials, as soon as he entered.

"My son, please pay homage to your father."

This single word, "Your subject," drew Zhao Kuangyin's attention away from the heavy burden of state affairs.

When Zhao Kuangyin turned his attention to his eldest son, a smile appeared on his face.

"You've grown taller recently, and you've gotten a bit darker."

Zhao Dexiu had expected that when he first met Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyin would ask him many questions about political or military affairs.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Kuangyin's first words were this.

"Come closer, come to my side."

Zhao Kuangyin pointed to a seat that had been prepared in advance on the opposite side.

At Zhao Kuangyin's signal, Zhao Dexiu stepped forward and sat down in front of Zhao Kuangyin.

After Zhao Dexiu sat down, Zhao Kuangyin looked at him and couldn't help but smile:

"It's better that he's a bit darker; he looks more like me now."

"You have displayed the grandeur of the Song Dynasty in this battle, and I am very pleased."

After he finished speaking, Zhao Kuangyin reached out and patted Zhao Dexiu's shoulder heavily.

"However, when we go on another expedition, we should plan from the center and avoid personally leading the charge again."

Before meeting Zhao Dexiu, Zhao Kuangyin had secretly thought about what he should say to Zhao Dexiu.

I had so much to say, but the moment I saw Zhao Dexiu, most of my words turned into concern.

In Zhao Kuangyin's view, Zhao Dexiu's repeated acts of leading from the front in the Battle of Luzhou were indeed necessary.

At that time, Zhao Dexiu had no military merits, so he could only lead by example to inspire morale and effectively command the army.

However, after the battle of Luzhou, Zhao Dexiu had already established his prestige in the army, so it was best to avoid leading from the front in the future.

Zhao Dexiu nodded in deep agreement with Zhao Kuangyin's reminder.

"Your subject understands."

After giving Zhao Dexiu his instructions, Zhao Kuangyin took out a memorial and handed it to Zhao Dexiu.

"Tell me your thoughts."

Zhao Dexiu was somewhat surprised when he saw the signature on the memorial.

This memorial was submitted by Zhao Pu, the Vice Privy Councilor.

The memorials submitted directly to the emperor by the Deputy Privy Councilor were all matters of national strategy, which were not something that ordinary officials could read.

unless
Noticing Zhao Kuangyin's encouraging gaze, Zhao Dexiu did not hesitate and immediately began to read the memorial.

The memorial contained a great deal of information, all of which were Zhao Pu's views on the reform of Luzhou.

In the memorial, Zhao Dexiu saw many official titles that were first established or popularized during the Song Dynasty.

"Prefect, Vice Prefect, Assistant Director, and Assistant Magistrate, etc."

The dense list of official titles made Zhao Dexiu feel dizzy for a moment.

coming!

In an effort to completely resolve the problem of local separatism, the Song Dynasty's policy of eliminating redundant officials, seemingly an unstoppable force, swept towards Zhao Dexiu.

　We've got 1000 monthly tickets! As mentioned in the author's note, I'll be updating an extra chapter this weekend.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)