My father Zhao Kuangyin

On the sixteenth day of the fifth month of summer in the sixth year of the Kaibao era.

The imperial edict stated: "The officials of the Secretariat have abused their power and committed numerous acts of corruption. They have also been appointed as officials from prefectures and counties within the capital."

In other words, too many officials in the Central Secretariat have fallen from grace, and replacements need to be drawn from other regions...

After the Emperor personally issued this edict, he also ordered Su Xiao to punish Li Shouxin and those who had colluded with Li Zheng—to be executed in the street.

The term "execution in the marketplace" refers to the execution of a person in a crowded marketplace.

Beside the execution platform, there was also a postcard from a clerk bearing the famous words of Meng Chang, the last ruler of Shu and husband of Lady Zhang Huarui:

"Your salary and wages are the blood and sweat of the people; the common people are easily oppressed, but Heaven is not to be deceived!"

The "heaven" here actually refers to the government.

The emperor, the emperor, who deceives the ruler, also deceives Heaven.

As for this couplet, it was presented by Zhao Erlang. The emperor was delighted upon seeing it and ordered it to be posted in front of all government offices, and even in other prefectures and counties, so that they could all reflect on their own conduct.

The source of this phrase, "Official Admonitions," actually contains more than just these sixteen characters, but Zhao Dezhao simplified it and did the same work as the later Duke Wenjie, Huang Tingjian.

This "treasure presentation" further enhanced the prestige of the eldest son of the Song Dynasty, and in the eyes of the Emperor, his anger had subsided, and he had transformed into a "like-minded" and obedient second son.

Amidst the rampant corruption among officials, the people of Kaifeng naturally cheered for the government and for the Song Dynasty.

After finishing these tasks, the official leisurely went to Yujin Garden to watch the wheat harvest.

Encouraging agriculture and sericulture requires setting an example; the emperor and the empress must both do it, and when Lady Song accompanies her, she inevitably brings Zhao Defang along.

To the astonishment of the three, Zhao Dezhao, having somehow heard the news, was now, under the watchful eyes of the imperial censors, harvesting wheat in the fields with the farmers.

But Zhao Dezhao was slower than the other farmers. He was alone on the ridge of the field, and from a distance, he looked like a lonely migrant worker hired by someone during the busy farming season.

It's not that Zhao Dezhao is ignorant of the five grains or doesn't engage in labor production; it's just that we scholars rarely have the opportunity to work in the fields, except during festivals.

Farming doesn't earn much money. Apart from large households growing fruit, most families rent out their small plots of land. Zhao Dezhao only goes home on holidays and doesn't have the opportunity to farm himself, so he's become quite rusty these days.

When did Rixin arrive?

"Your Majesty, perhaps Erlang knows that Your Majesty is good at encouraging agriculture and enjoys watching the wheat harvest. These days, he often practices archery and horsemanship in Yingchun Garden in the morning and comes here in the afternoon," Feng Bing said honestly.

"Flattery and pandering to the emperor's tastes—I've seen many cases like this in the case files that Minister Su submitted," Zhao Kuangyin said, shaking his head.

Song didn't dare to agree, and just smiled.

They praised the sixteen-character selection of "daily renewal" earlier, but then treated it harshly later.

The emperor has changed his mind, but the changes are far too numerous... leaving his wife somewhat puzzled.

"In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with this. Marrying someone who works in the fields will allow him to understand the hardships of farming and how hard it is to produce grain. You can hardly find anyone in the inner court who would personally go to the fields like Rixin."

She was referring to nothing more than those sons of meritorious officials who were usually irresponsible and made constant minor mistakes.

Don't think that there are many纨绔 (playboys/spoiled brats) in fictional stories; there are just as many in reality.

Why? In this world, having many children is considered a blessing, as it means that one's lineage can continue to exist.

With many offspring, it becomes difficult to balance the family, inevitably leading to biases and eventually a mix of good and bad.

People as approachable and willing to endure hardship as Zhao Dezhao are truly one in a hundred.

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said to those around him, "Even if the Empress is too kind and disregards offending me, she still wants to speak up for Rixin."

Judging from the emperor's expression, the Song family had a good understanding of the situation.

Since ancient times, the relationship between father and son has been like that between ruler and subject. Sometimes, even when one wants to say something nice, the meaning changes when the words are on the tip of one's tongue.

At this point, it was appropriate for her, as the Empress, to display her demeanor as the mother of the nation.

In the field, Zhao Dezhao, dressed in military uniform, wiped his sweat. When he turned around and saw Hua Gai and Xiao Xuanshan's figures, his movements unconsciously quickened a little.

Only after he had bundled and stacked the wheat ears and stalks in his small plot of land could he catch his breath and drink a large gulp of water.

"Do you know how hard it is?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao paused, but did not bow as respectfully as usual.

"Li Shen once wrote two poems expressing sympathy for the farmers, saying that every grain is the result of hard work..."

At first, Zhao Kuangyin nodded in response to this nonsensical answer, but soon he frowned.

Li Shen's poem was well-intentioned, but what was the outcome for him?

After rising through the ranks of officialdom, he became insatiably greedy and kept a large number of concubines...

He was not only extravagant and licentious, but also a truly cruel official. He had no compassion for farmers, and it would be considered that he had a conscience if he didn't oppress them.

This is a prime example of the disconnect between knowledge and action, and of forgetting one's roots.

On the other hand, as a teaching material, this poem is indeed flawless. Therefore, Zhao Dezhao's use of this poem to advise Zhao Pu was also an attempt to vindicate Zhao Pu's merits and demerits.

"My sons, since when have you had to speak your mind in such roundabout ways like a scholar?"

"I dare not," Zhao Dezhao turned around and bowed, saying, "I have only come to understand one principle."

"What's the reasoning behind that?"

"The sage said, 'Poverty and lowliness cannot sway one, nor can wealth and honor corrupt one.' I do not know whether Minister Zhao, like Li Shen, has attained wealth and honor, and therefore his desires are insatiable, leading to his tyrannical and unrestrained behavior..."

Although Zhao Dezhao's tea skills have improved, he still harbors some genuine feelings for her ever since that night when he woke up from a nightmare.

After tasting it, Zhao Kuangyin remained silent for a moment before speaking calmly.

"You are trying to find a way to plead for Zeping before me."

At this moment, Zhao Dezhao no longer sought to elevate his third uncle, who already had a solid foundation. There was plenty of time ahead; he needed to take care of Zhao Xiangong first and establish a united front.

Of course, this is also the current trend, what the emperor desires, and what is politically correct in the Song Dynasty.

Instead of thinking about how to use petty tricks, it is better to think carefully about what the father thinks and what he is worried about. This is the principle of "being in a high position in the court and worrying about the ruler first".

The decision not to establish an heir and not to retain Zhao Guangyi's position as Prefect of Kaifeng was to avoid causing turmoil and allow the emperor and his ministers to focus their energy on the southern and northern expeditions.

The more eager Zhao Dezhao was to advance, the more he revealed his intentions, openly stating that his elderly father was too old to remain hidden for long.

This is actually a major taboo. Throughout history, from Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han to Emperor Taizong and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, the issue of lifespan has always been a sensitive one.

It is precisely because emperors throughout history acted in this way that Emperor Gaozu of Han's magnanimity is so evident.

Don't think that Zhao Kuangyin's statement at Yingchun Garden that fate is in the hands of Heaven was very much like the style of Emperor Gaozu of Han.

If he truly doesn't care, he might just laugh it off; there's no need to make a big deal out of it.

Those sixteen characters marked the beginning of Zhao Erlang's change of heart and the restoration of his reputation in his father's eyes.

"Father, I will not plead for the Prime Minister. Your Majesty issued an edict after passing through the capital, summoning county officials from nearby prefectures to the Central Secretariat to replace those corrupt officials who have been arrested. Just like back then, Your Majesty used 300,000 coins to encourage whistleblowers. This time, the local officials being promoted are required to be honest and have good political achievements. I will take that as true for now. But after they enter the Central Secretariat, over time... people like Li Shen will inevitably emerge again."

At this point, Zhao Dezhao pretended to ponder, paused for a moment, and then said, "This is a flaw in the Song system. I believe it should be reformed."

Song and Zhao Defang were stunned. Just now they were pleading for Zhao Pu, and now they wanted to drastically change the Song system.

Emperor Taizu of Song was good enough at accepting advice. If he couldn't be patient, why did he allow Zhao Pu to serve as prime minister for ten years?

Young people may lack foresight, but their ideas are often bold and novel, so there's no harm in listening to them.

"Then tell me, how should it be changed?"

"Since there is a deficiency in the supervision, Your Majesty should grant the Censorate additional authority."

After he finished speaking, Feng Bing, the Imperial Censor who was waiting behind the Emperor, trembled with fear. His lips twitched, and he was about to speak up in agreement, but he was stopped by reason.

Why?

It should be noted that the positions of Chief Censor and Deputy Chief Censor of the Censorate are currently vacant.

The censors who used to be outspoken and critical of officials have largely disappeared.

The power they wielded was not much different from that of some eunuchs; they could only occasionally stage impeachments and play the role of rebels in a charade.

The power to offer advice and suggestions has been divided among the Secretariat and the Chancellery, with positions such as Left and Right Remonstrance Officials and Left and Right Remonstrance Officials being the core and main force at present.

Simply put, the power of the Secretariat will be increased, and the power of the Censorate will be increased.

Zhao Dezhao's words did not represent the whole picture. In fact, he could have suggested adding positions such as "Embroidered Robe" and "Brocade Robe," which would have created more job opportunities for the sons of those meritorious generals who served as officials.

Such a matter pleases the ruler but displeases the ministers. As civil and military officials under supervision, they naturally harbored resentment and were unwilling to agree.

While Zhao Kuangyin was still pondering the matter, he also harbored dissatisfaction with Zhao Dezhao.

Too hasty. It's only been a few days, and you're already trying to reach into the Censorate?

Is it to establish an independent entity, rely on the Censorate to build its foundation, and live off the legacy (remains) of Zhao Pu?

It should be understood that the merit of the censor lies in supervising and accepting advice from the emperor. The latter usually only makes the emperor angry. Even the famous story of Wei Zheng and Emperor Taizong of Tang was full of ups and downs in both process and result. It is a job that does not promote advancement.

The former is a typical indicator of political achievement; even if the current boom is nearing its end, it's still easy to skim off some profits.

Of course, adding the power of an official agency is obviously not so easy, and there are many factors to consider.

While Zhao Kuangyin was weighing the pros and cons, Zhao Pu inappropriately stepped forward, insisting on meeting him in person to report.

Feng Bing stepped forward with burning eyes, scrutinized Zhao Dezhao for a moment, and said, "Your Majesty, Minister Zhao..."

"Let him come."

"Here you are."

Soon, Zhao Pu saw Zhao Dezhao, whose hands and feet were covered in mud and grime, and then saw the Emperor's face. He chuckled softly, but as he approached, he quickly composed himself and put on an embarrassed and distressed act.

"Your Majesty."

"What important matter does Your Excellency have that necessitates reporting it here?"

Upon hearing that his lord was not Ze Ping, Zhao Pu hesitated for a moment, but Zhao Dezhao, who was diagonally opposite him, took the opportunity to raise his eyebrows in a gesture of respect.

"That day, I offended Your Majesty and I am already guilty."

Zhao Kuangyin was slightly surprised, then said in an annoyed tone:

"What is your fault, sir?"

What went wrong?

No wonder it's said that the relationship between ruler and subject is like that of husband and wife, and that scholar-officials often compare themselves to wives serving their rulers...

Understanding the implication, Zhao Dezhao kept a straight face and remained silent.

Zhao Pu carefully replied, "Your fault lies in knowing your crime but not admitting it. For years, I have held power in the Secretariat, abusing my authority to form cliques... condoning corruption... and even... deceiving Heaven."

Upon hearing the words "deceiving Heaven," the Emperor's face changed color. Zhao Pu glanced at Zhao Dezhao and immediately relaxed.

After that, he recounted his crimes one by one as if they were commonplace, with a sincere attitude, which astonished Zhao Kuangyin, who thought that the former was being interrogated by an iron man while wearing wooden shackles and iron chains.

"Enough, stop talking. I already knew about these things."

Just as Zhao Kuangyin was about to correct his mistakes, Zhao Pu retreated in the name of advancement, and said, "Truly."

"I have come here to beg for my retirement..."

Perhaps sensing that his husband was acting too strangely, Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but glance at his eldest son, who smiled slightly and appeared harmless.

This is a typical example of the "window dismantling" theory.

To be fair, even if Zhao Kuangyin had the idea of ​​dismissing the prime minister, it was only in a fit of anger, a momentary thought, and a mere warning.

Even if Zhao Pu were truly considering resigning, the transfer of power would take time, and many preparations had not yet been made. How could the government be without him in such a short time?

Besides, Liu Xigu had only been retired for a few days.

With the prime minister and vice prime minister resigning at the same time, and Xue Juzheng still having to compile history, who would take over the management of the central government?

Therefore, Zhao Kuangyin looked troubled.

"Ze Ping, when I was in power, it was also due to my temperament. No one is perfect, who can be without fault?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Pu's lips trembled slightly, somewhat astonished.

Are officials truly resistant to gentle persuasion but not to force?

Is this still the official he knows?

"Your Majesty, I am guilty..."

"When Yichun (Liu's courtesy name) retired to me, he specifically said that his merits and demerits should be judged. I hate your greed, but I love your talent even more. To know your mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue."

At this point in the audience, Zhao Pu completely lost the idea of ​​being equal to Xue Juzheng as prime minister, and at that very moment, Zhao Dezhao was unable to maintain his composure.

"My lord, my husband has served as prime minister for ten years, which is already an immense favor from the emperor. Now, let us discuss this further..."

"Your Majesty, I request that Your Majesty investigate the clerks and officials in all departments and offices, and rectify the rampant corruption."

Plans can't keep up with changes, and Zhao Dezhao hesitated before swallowing his words.

"Today, all the officials in the capital know that I am going to reward the wheat harvest, but they are not following the proper procedure. They have chosen Ping as the leader, which pleases me greatly." Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said, "In that case, I will immediately summon the officials from all provinces and departments... I want to review these 'parent officials' like I would a military parade."

"Since Your Majesty intends to win by surprise, mobilizing a large force is useless and will only alert the enemy. I believe Your Majesty should personally go to the government office to investigate."

"What you say is very true. Then I... will go and investigate myself."

Thinking of this, Zhao Kuangyin clicked his tongue again.

The officials and clerks of the various departments have already been thoroughly investigated by the Secretariat and the Chancellery, and the Three Departments are under close surveillance. The only remaining one is the Kaifeng Prefecture.

At this point, the truth was finally revealed. Zhao Kuangyin looked at the old and young, shook his head and smiled, but had no intention of breaking his promise. After making some arrangements for Song Shi and Si'er, he left Yujin Garden and headed to Kaifeng Prefecture by carriage.

………………

Outside the gates of the government office, the once peaceful Kaifeng Prefecture had become a gathering place for a group of scholars and commoners who seemed to enjoy watching a spectacle.

After the carriage came to a complete stop and the imperial guards cleared the streets, an official still stood in front of the gate, his face flushed and his ears red.

"It's official business at the Prime Minister's residence! Why won't you let me in?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezhao and the others almost thought that Yao Shu had been reincarnated.

The gatekeepers and soldiers, who had previously been arrogant and domineering, became somewhat inarticulate upon seeing the Emperor and the Prime Minister arrive together.

"What is this?"

As if seeing a glimmer of hope, Wang Dong immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am Wang Dong, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. The summer tax collection is imminent, and I have come here to collect copies of the household registration and tribute documents for the capital region, but the officials here refuse to allow it..."

At first glance, it seems more and more like the story of Yao Shu.

First, there was the dramatic scene of crossing the log on a raft, then there was the question of whether Yao would forgive or not, and whether the situation was fair or not. It was almost overflowing with the theatrics and even the sense of "seeking justice" that Zhao Xiangong was putting on.

Having come to his senses, Zhao Kuangyin glared at him and asked, "Why not?"

"Official...the Emperor."

The officer's legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground, stammering and unable to speak.

At this time, he could still openly say that Wang Dong was Zhao Xiangong's man and explain the unspoken rules of Kaifeng Prefecture: Zhao Pu's personal servants and dogs were not allowed to enter.

That's an exaggeration, but Wang Dong's attack was a surprise attack without any written notice. How could they allow their political enemies to enter Kaifeng Prefecture without permission?

Furthermore, since the beginning of the Jianzhong era of the Tang Dynasty, the tax system has been changed from the rent, labor service and tax system to the annual two-tax system. The tax payable in summer should not exceed the sixth month, and the tax payable in autumn should not exceed the eleventh month. Envoys were dispatched to various regions to check the rates.

The Song Dynasty's system of strengthening the central government and weakening local governments meant that, except for important border towns, all taxes remaining from the expenditures of other border prefectures and counties had to be transported to the capital, Tokyo, without any surplus.

Now that we are approaching the end of May, according to common sense, the tax should be collected in June before the comparison is done. How can we check part of it first?

Besides, this is the duty of the Three Departments, what does it have to do with your Secretariat?

There is actually a slight connection between them.

Tax audits were under the jurisdiction of the Three Departments, but the Secretariat had to make copies for backup in the Imperial Archives.

Compared to the Four Books and Five Classics, household registers and tax registers were of paramount importance. When officials wanted to combat corruption, the Court of Judicial Review needed to check case files. Often, the three judicial departments and the secret bureau would run back and forth to verify each other's records, in order to prevent corruption within the three judicial departments from falsifying accounts and making a clean getaway.

In summary, the main problem was that Wang Dong abused his power to make things difficult for people...

How could Zhao Kuangyin not see through this? He knew that Prime Minister Zhao was going to retaliate in kind and hand him a board.

The number of officials in Kaifeng Prefecture was huge, and most of them were also severely affected areas. It would be good to punish them to show their power.

"Get up and summon the clerks of Kaifeng Prefecture. I want to review their duties and question them all."

When Zhao Kuangyin entered the hall, he helped up the trembling official, then stepped over the threshold and into the main hall, displaying the imposing manner of a just and upright judge interrogating a case.

A quarter of an hour later, Zhao Guangyi arrived, looking travel-worn, accompanied by the judge, the investigating official, and even all the officials from the six departments, completely blocking the corridor and the hallway.

Looking at these officials, Zhao Dezhao was no longer surprised by the Kaifeng Prefect's veiled intention to make him the heir apparent.

The Ministry of Personnel has six ministries, and the prefectures have six departments. Goodness, one-to-one reference, and they can seamlessly connect after ascending to heaven.

Zhao Dezhao recognized very few of these officials, but Zhao Pu did. He recognized many of them, so much so that when he spotted one, his lips curled into a smile, and he felt more confident.

"Does Your Majesty still remember the former magistrate, Liu Ao?"

The current judge is surnamed Cheng and named Yan, which is clearly not Liu Ao as Zhao Pu referred to.

Mentioning this person requires tracing back to the old stories of factional strife.

The reason was that Feng Zan was talented and had an ambiguous relationship with Zhao Guangyi, which made Zhao Pu jealous. Through a series of behind-the-scenes maneuvers, Zhao Pu fabricated charges against Feng Zan, resulting in Feng Zan being exiled.

He is still alive and well on the island of Shamen...

Liu Ao was working under Zhao Guangyi at the time, and was implicated and dragged down by Feng Zan's downfall.

Fortunately, because his crime was minor, he was only dismissed from his post and had no chance to participate in the island survival activities.

"Of course I remember."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pu immediately pointed sternly and said, "I want to inform Your Majesty that those who have committed crimes should not be allowed to serve as officials. The Prefect of Kaifeng changed Liu Ao's place of origin and name, and restored Zhang Ao's official document. Last July, he was promoted to a minor official position. This February, he bypassed the Ministry of Personnel and was secretly reinstated by the Prefect, who then appointed him as the Registrar."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangyi's expression changed slightly. Just as he was about to defend himself, a gaze shifted towards him.

"Tell me the truth, what is real and what is false?"

"minister……"

Zhao Guangyi was speechless and could not respond.

Caught red-handed, how can you deny it?

"Your Majesty!" Upon seeing this, Liu Ao disregarded everything and knelt down with a thud, saying, "Your Majesty! I was framed by Prime Minister Zhao back then! The Prefect has always been kind and benevolent! He couldn't bear it... so... so he reinstated me..."

Zhao Pu, his expression as stern as ever, said, "Your Majesty, to this day, this corrupt official, who has not confessed his crimes after seven years, is instead serving as a high-ranking official in the capital..."

"Arrest them."

Zhao Kuangyin frowned, raised his hand and ordered Yang Xin, the commander of the palace guards, to obey. Yang Xin immediately dispatched three imperial guards to drag Liu Ao out of the hall.

The emperor was kind-hearted; he did not order Liu Ao's execution but simply dragged him outside and displayed him in the street.

"I cannot bear to investigate everyone. Anyone who has committed a crime should step forward, and I will spare their life. If they know the truth but deny it, they will be severely punished after interrogation!"

Zhao Dezhao listened from the side, stunned for a moment, feeling that this scene was extremely familiar, but he couldn't quite remember it.

Under the official's angry shouts, on this sweltering summer day, with the sun high in the sky, the ground was covered in puddles of sweat.

The officials in Kaifeng looked at each other, caught in a dilemma.

It should be noted that the Secretariat has been completely taken over by the Court of Judicial Review, and its current situation is no less than that of the Emperor's harem.

These people may be able to keep their mouths shut for a while, but once they're weighed, they're completely exposed to the officials, with nothing left to hide.

Seconds passed, and the situation remained deadlocked. It wasn't until Zhao Guangyi, with a solemn expression, was about to step forward to apologize that a military advisor and clerk stepped out of the ranks and prostrated himself on the ground.

"Last autumn, in the ninth month, I... accepted a bribe of twenty-six strings of cash from Zhang Wei, an assistant secretary in the Ministry of Justice... to conceal tenant farmers' land..."

Zhao Kuangyin said nothing, nodded, and waved to the outside of the hall.

The military advisor, knowing the situation, removed his turban and official robes, and walked out in white, standing side by side with Liu Ao.

"Your subject... Your subject accepted a bribe of seventy strings of cash from Li Shouxin, the treasury commissioner... who demanded that Your subject promise not to report it..."

"Your Majesty! I am terrified of poverty. The money I embezzled is hidden at the bottom of the well in my courtyard. I am stingy and have not dared to spend a single penny... All... all can be confiscated for the country... I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

As more and more officials stepped forward to confess, Zhao Guangyi was heartbroken and filled with grief. However, with the Emperor and Zhao Pu before him, he was truly powerless to do anything.

Although everyone confessed and claimed it was all minor corruption and bribery, it was definitely not just this one instance. Subsequent investigations revealed that the amount involved was likely much larger.

Zhao Pu launched his attack, explicitly pointing the finger at Liu Ao, clearly with evidence in hand. At this point, Liu Ao had no choice but to swallow his pride.

Fortunately, those who had received his kindness did not speak of it.

Of course, this was essentially a reward from the lord, and could not be considered a bribe... and there was no abuse of power for personal gain.

As a result, the number of officials standing inside the mansion decreased by a third, while nearly a hundred people stood outside, seemingly trapped in a fire and water, attracting the attention of countless scholars and commoners.

"Your Majesty, the count is complete. There are ninety-seven people in total," said Censor Feng Bing.

"Go to the Three Departments and Six Ministries and bring those who confess to being implicated to the Court of Judicial Review. After they are convicted, I will deal with them all at once."

"Here you are."

Before leaving, Zhao Kuangyin gave Zhao Guangyi a meaningful glare, but never reprimanded him.

But it's a form of passive-aggressive violence that involves neither physical punishment nor verbal abuse.

Therefore, Zhao Guangyi was even more uneasy and wanted to go and explain, but halfway through, he was stopped by Yang Xin, who was mute, and had to retreat in a huff.

………………

P.S.: For the sake of continuity, the three chapters totaling 6,000 words have been combined into one. Please don't feel that each chapter is shorter than the previous one.