The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 90 Ten Thousand Gold
"Commander, come quick!"

After treating his wounds and changing into new armor, Xiao Yi returned to the Yiting with Guo Xin and Guo Xin. There, he saw that Shou Tao was very agitated, running around and jumping up and down.

"Look, Commander! So many boxes! Hope they're not full of stones, but rather copper coins—there are countless of them!"

Xiao Yi looked over and saw that the sacks of chaff on the carriages had been moved, revealing several chests hidden in the carriages. They were standard camphor wood chests, one foot long and six and a half inches wide and high, with iron edges and sealed locks. They were quite heavy and made a dull thud when placed on the stone slab.

"Commander, the count is done, thirty-two in total!"

"pry."

"Here!"

Shoutao was very excited. He took out a dagger and pried open a piece of the box.

With a soft "click," the lid opened, and in an instant, golden light flowed out.

Under the firelight, the neatly stacked gold ingots emitted a dazzling light, eliciting a gasp of surprise from the audience in the ceremonial hall.

"Straight bitch!"

Shoutao plopped down on the ground, looking completely lost.

Although Guo Xin was the son of a military commander, he probably hadn't seen much of the world, muttering, "Could it all be gold?"

Xiao Yi finally understood why Li Hongjian had hesitated so much; it was truly a case of "people die for wealth, birds die for food."

He stepped forward, picked up a gold ingot and examined it. It was long and narrow, with three lines of characters clearly engraved on the bottom: "Imperial Treasury of the Second Year of Qianyou", "Twenty Taels", "Recorded by Wang Fu, the Supervising Official of Casting". There was also the signature and seal of Wang Zhang, the Commissioner of the Three Departments, on the side.

"There are thirty-two ingots in one box." Guo Xin leaned over and helped him count them, then muttered after calculating with her fingers, "How can there be so many?"

Xiao Yi asked, "A lot?"

Just then, shouts came from outside the yamen.

"Get lost! Who doesn't want to surrender? It's not up to you weak scholars. Go away, can't you see the general is busy?!"

Xiao Yi strode to the door and saw Li Fang being forked out by armored soldiers wielding halberds.

"Stop! What's going on?"

"Reporting to the General, some troublesome civil officials have come. I've dealt with them for you!"

The Imperial Guards acted as if it were their right, even believing they had done the right thing, and their contempt for scholars was palpable.

Xiao Yi shouted, "Who gave you the audacity to make decisions for me?!"

"This humble servant wouldn't dare... This humble servant simply feels that there's no need for such a lowly civil official to concern himself with this matter right now..."

"Get out!"

Xiao Yi dismissed the soldier and stepped forward to greet Li Fang.

"Brother Mingyuan, what brings you here?"

Li Fang stepped forward with a wry smile, about to speak, but upon noticing the scene inside the ceremonial hall, he turned and asked, "What is that?"

"Gold from the imperial treasury."

"how many?"

"Around twenty thousand taels."

So many?!

"Is it much?"

Li Fang sighed and said, "Do you know how much our dynasty's annual revenue is?"

"I don't know."

“Only around one million strings of cash,” Li Fang said. “Since Wang Zhang took office as the Minister of the Three Departments, the land tax has increased tenfold. The tax reduction was changed to two dou per hu, and the system of provincial and local administration was implemented. Salt, alum, and wine yeast were strictly monopolized. In addition, there were taxes on agricultural tools, yeast, cowhide, and even the drinking water of the people. All of these things, when converted into gold, amounted to only seventy or eighty thousand taels… Such a large court needs to operate, pacify the three towns, and defend against the Khitan. The imperial treasury was able to save twenty thousand taels. Li Ye’s methods are remarkable.”

Xiao Yi calculated that even if each of the 50,000 soldiers received five strings of cash, the gold would be enough to reward the soldiers. Besides, the Southern Army didn't have that many heads to cut off for rewards, so he felt somewhat relieved.

The next moment, Li Fang bowed deeply to him.

"Your efforts to prevent the outflow of imperial treasury funds are a great service to the people, and I, Shoufang, bow in gratitude."

"Brother Mingyuan, there's no need for that."

"Let's get down to business. I've come because Master Feng wants to see you."

"see me?"

"good."

"Let me make the arrangements."

Xiao Yi returned to the main office first, pulled Guo Xin aside, and instructed him: "I'm going to see Feng Dao. You stay here and guard the gold. Send two guards to watch over it, and no one is allowed to approach."

"What's so interesting about seeing civil officials? Alright, don't worry, I'll have Tang Jin guard the area, and we'll harvest the crops tomorrow."

"The commander-in-chief will enter the city tomorrow."

"Then drag Liu Zhu out and cut him off; it's bright here."

"what ever."

After packing up and just as they were about to leave, Guo Xin said again, "Where are you going? I'll go with you."

"No need. If you're feeling restless, go to the side room and get some sleep. You haven't slept in a long time."

"Oh, this is the second time you've declined. If it happens again, I won't stand for it."

"Be careful next time."

"You're not bringing the nine-section whip? You're quite skilled at using it."

"No need, it doesn't matter what weapon I use."

Xiao Yi casually agreed, and without stopping, he left the Imperial Guard headquarters and walked side by side with Li Fang.

Outside the government office, the long street was covered in snow, the fresh snow covering footprints and tire tracks, and the hustle and bustle of the whole day seemed to be gradually coming to an end.

Not far from where they walked, around the street corner, they saw a horse-drawn carriage parked there.

Li Fang stepped forward first, bowed to the carriage, and said, "Lord Xinchen, Lord Feng, Xiao Lang has arrived."

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Li Tao got out of the carriage first, then helped an elderly man out.

Feng Dao appeared to be in his seventies or eighties, dressed in a hemp robe, his crane cloak even older than Li Tao's, wearing a turban, with a gaunt face, deep wrinkles, and white hair and beard. He held a wooden cane, moving slowly, exuding a sense of composure that had witnessed many vicissitudes of life.

It was as if no matter how drastically the country was turned upside down, he simply got out of the car slowly.

"Young Master Xiao," Li Fang turned slightly to introduce him, "This is Grand Tutor, Chancellor, and Grand Academician of the Hongwen Academy, Lord Feng."

"This junior greets Master Feng."

Feng Dao nodded slightly and spoke in a gentle voice, his words neither praising nor criticizing.

"Commander Xiao stabilized the situation in Kaifeng in a single day, preventing the court from losing face and the flames of war from spreading into the city. His contribution is truly remarkable."

"You flatter me, Master Feng." "However, I wonder, after Guo Que'er purged the court of corrupt officials, what measures will she take for the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the panicked officials and people of this city?"

Xiao Yi knew this question was difficult to answer and would test his composure. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Such a major matter is beyond the comprehension of a junior like myself."

Upon hearing this, Feng Dao stroked the wooden staff that had been polished until it was covered in grime, and remained silent for a long time.

Xiao Yi thought for a moment and realized that if he wanted to gain more opportunities, he should reveal some of his stance to win the favor and support of the civil officials.

"The General is loyal and courageous, pacified the three towns, and resisted the Khitan. He has the world in his heart and cherishes the people. As for how to arrange the palace and ancestral temple, Lord Feng has served several dynasties and is highly respected. The world looks up to him. Lord Feng and the General should discuss the important matter together to stabilize the people's hearts."

In his past life, he had memorized similar lines and often felt they were empty words, but now he could use them naturally to express himself. It meant that he believed Guo Wei cared about the world and its people, but not about the Emperor; this was his stance, and it was up to Feng Dao to decide whether to accept it.

“I understand.” Feng Dao’s eyes were calm and steady as he slowly said, “The Empress Dowager urgently needs someone to explain the situation, to clarify Lord Guo’s intentions, and to relieve the worries of the nation. Would you be willing to accompany me to the palace?”

Xiao Yi paused slightly, pondering what he could gain and what risks he might face if he went to see Empress Dowager Li at this time.

If he doesn't want to go, the old man and the scholar in front of him can't force him to go.

Without waiting for his reply, Feng Dao turned around and slowly walked towards the carriage, leaning on his wooden cane.

Li Tao gave Xiao Yi a deep look, his eyes filled with encouragement.

Li Fang whispered, "Let's go. Feng Gong has stood firm through several dynasties. Following him won't be a mistake."

Xiao Yi understood something and made a decisive decision. He stepped forward and helped Feng Dao up.

Without looking up, Feng Dao remarked to himself, "Young man, you have quite the talent."

……

They were not far from the Daning Palace, and soon arrived at Chengtian Gate.

Li Fang was not summoned, and Feng Dao was helped down from the carriage by Xiao Yi and Li Tao.

Chengtian Gate is divided into three gates. The central imperial road is only opened when the emperor travels, while the left and right side gates are for officials to enter and exit, and are always guarded by the Jinwu Guard.

At this moment, the left side gate was opened halfway, an exception was made, and several eunuchs carrying lanterns were waiting there. The one in the lead was wearing a scarlet narrow-sleeved robe and had a white face and no beard.

“Wang Yan, the deputy envoy of the Old Slave Pavilion, is here to examine the contract for Lord Feng.”

"This is Xiao Yi, a subordinate of Marshal Guo."

Feng Daobian took out a gilded bronze contract, a private seal, and a document from his sleeve and handed them over.

Wang Yan accepted the order, filed it in the contract storehouse by the palace gate, then apologized and searched Xiao Yi's body, leaving behind his sword and dagger, before instructing the palace guards to lead the way.

After walking for a while in the silent palace, the guard on duty turned around and whispered a reminder to Xiao Yi, "The Taiji Gate is ahead, and the inner court is behind. Enter from the left and exit from the right. Under no circumstances should you step on the bluestone in the middle of the imperial road."

Xiao Yi looked over and saw that the snow on the imperial road at the end of the Heavenly Street had been swept away, revealing the carved cloud patterns.

Upon arriving at Taiji Gate, the Imperial Guards verified the document again; passing through Liangyi Hall and reaching the inner courtyard, the guide was replaced by an elderly eunuch carrying an elegant palace lantern.

In short, the imperial court was small, but had many rules.

"We have arrived at the Zichen Palace."

Upon entering the hall, although charcoal braziers were burning, the spacious hall still felt cold.

Xiao Yan looked over and saw that the throne in front of him was empty. On the left, a dignified woman was sitting on a phoenix chair. She was dressed in an ochre-yellow dress and her hair was tied up with a silver hairpin. She looked to be only in her thirties. Her face still showed her charm, but her face was pale and her eyes could not hide her fear and exhaustion.

Several trusted palace maids bowed their heads and held their breath, like clay or wooden sculptures.

"This old minister, Feng Dao, pays his respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Li Tao pays his respects to the Empress Dowager..."

"Quick, excuse me."

Before Feng Dao could even bow, Empress Dowager Li immediately stopped him gently and had a eunuch bring a small stool for him to sit on.

Soon, her gaze fell on Xiao Yi, and she asked, "Are you Xiao Yi?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Don't be nervous. It is the Empress who was talking about you. She has been on good terms with Li Song's daughter since childhood. After finding out her whereabouts, she often summoned her to the palace to talk. She mentioned your deeds, saying that you care about your former master, are loyal and brave, and are a good child."

Xiao Yi, who had been standing with his eyes down, couldn't help but glance at Empress Dowager Li upon hearing this. He saw that her eyes were full of goodwill, so she didn't mean to threaten Li Zhaoning.

Threats are useless.

"I thought it was time to exonerate Li Song, which is why I summoned you to the palace and granted you a title. What is your current position in Minister Guo's army?"

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, I am honored to serve as the Deputy Commander."

Empress Dowager Li spoke directly, her voice stern, and gave an order to the eunuch.

"Xiao Yi protected the capital, brought peace to the people, and stabilized the hearts of the people. He made great contributions and was promoted to Inner Palace Attendant and given the additional title of Grand Master of the Imperial Academy."

After saying that, she looked at Xiao Yi, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

"You are the direct guard of the inner palace. From now on, you will also bear a responsibility for the safety of the inner court. You must do your best. Although the title of Inspector of the Imperial Academy is nominal, it is the court's way of making amends to Li Song and giving you a formal position. As for Minister Guo, please pass on a message... The court will certainly not fail to treat meritorious officials well."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and understood.

Feng Dao wouldn't seek his own death. His involvement indicates that Empress Dowager Li is determined to cooperate with Guo Wei, and it's very likely that she will temporarily appoint Guo Wei as regent. She is planning ahead, hoping that he will protect the palace as he protected Kaifeng, hence the appointment of him as the Inner Palace Attendant.

In other words, if Guo Wei were to send someone to monitor her, she would prefer it to be him.

As for the position of Inspector of the Imperial Academy, it was to strengthen his civil service attributes, push him to get closer to civil officials, and subtly change his inclinations.

This woman is smarter than she appears.

But what about me? What if I were accused of having an affair with the royal family in Guo Wei's mind?

Just as he was thinking this, Feng Dao suddenly swayed as if he was about to fall.

Xiao Yi quickly helped him up and asked, "Master Feng, are you alright?"

"It's alright." Feng Dao waved his hand, his eyes seemingly full of meaning, and said leisurely, "I have served through several dynasties, and my official rank has risen with each one, but I have grown older year by year."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi suddenly understood, realizing that he had been worrying too much.

Why was Feng Dao so senior? He was promoted by each dynasty, from the Later Yan, Later Tang, Later Jin, Khitan, to the present dynasty, until his position became unshakeable.

Dynastic changes are as frequent as flowing water these days. Looking across the land, how many civil and military officials are not "traitors"? The so-called "loyalty of a subject" is nothing but a tasteless fart.

What matters is value.

His value lies in persuading Empress Dowager Li to submit to the throne tonight, thus laying the foundation for Guo Wei's entry into Kaifeng; his value also lies in serving as a bridge between Empress Dowager Li and Guo Wei in the future.

If you are timid and hesitant, waiting for Guo Wei to bestow titles and rewards, what good will it do you after that? You only have a few chances to change your fate, so you must seize them.

"In my humble opinion, what Master Feng adds year after year is wisdom."

Xiao Yi believed that receiving Feng Dao's guidance tonight was more rewarding than gaining 20,000 taels of gold.

The old man and the young man exchanged a glance, and the old man nodded slightly, his eyes filled with the meaning of "this child is teachable".

(End of this chapter)