Chapter 1040: Fan Zhongyan

Fan Zhongyan was sixty-one this year; as mentioned earlier, the blow of the New Policies' failure, combined with the Song dynasty's customary practice of shuffling officials through distant postings, had made him appear extremely gaunt. Though not yet skin and bones, he was not far from it. Not a single black hair could be found in his full head of white hair; age spots had appeared, wrinkles crisscrossed his face, his skin hung loosely, and there was no elasticity left in it.

In history, Fan Zhongyan would die three years later, in the early summer when life was bursting forth...

Although they had just met, thinking immediately of a person's death was somewhat rude. Yet Wang Yan, after only a rough preliminary examination, believed Fan Zhongyan could live several more years; this was good news.

This was mainly thanks to the common knowledge possessed by ancient scholar-officials; in their previous correspondence, his descriptions of his own physical condition had been basically accurate. Thus, the medicine Wang Yan had prescribed from afar was basically suited to the symptoms and had taken effect.

Looking at Fan Zhongyan, whose face bore a smile and who still possessed spirit, Wang Yan bowed properly and respectfully: "Student Wang Yan pays his respects to Master Fan."

Fan Zhongyan waved his hand: "No need for excessive ceremony; sit down and let us speak."

Wang Yan cupped his fists again, then took his seat: "Master Fan appears to be in good spirits; has your health been well lately?"

"It is all due to your miraculous hands, Young Master Xu Ziyan; this old wreck of a body can still drag on for a few more days." Fan Zhongyan naturally understood Wang Yan's meaning and sensibly extended both hands, spreading them on the table. "Since you have come, examine me carefully. Though I do not fear death, being able to live one more day and accomplish one more task is always good. Moreover, talented people emerge in every generation; I wish to see whether this world can become better."

There was no despair in Fan Zhongyan's words; on the contrary, he was quite open-minded, with a hint of fighting spirit, as if he intended to fight another round.

In fact, Fan Zhongyan's reforms were quite sound—namely, the ten points he submitted to Emperor Zhao Zhen: clarifying promotions and demotions, suppressing favoritism, refining the imperial examinations, selecting capable local administrators, equalizing public fields, encouraging agriculture and sericulture, strengthening military preparedness, reducing corvée labor, extending grace and trust, and emphasizing the authority of decrees.

To summarize, these measures aimed to solve the government's personnel problems, enact policies to allow the people rest, and streamline the administration and military. If carried out thoroughly, the nation would become wealthy and its army strong, thereby starving Li Yuanhao to death.

The problem was that the personnel issue remained unsolved; Fan Zhongyan was eliminated by the very people he sought to reform. Without hesitation, he attempted to smash others' rice bowls and disrupt their networks of favoritism; naturally, this provoked a counterattack, resulting in his expulsion from Jingcheng and subjected to endless travel assignments—a soft knife that kills.

Regarding the principle that penalties do not apply to scholar-officials, the scholar-officials of the Great Song were utterly unified and steadfast; this was the collective interest of their class. No one wished for the Emperor above them to become displeased, find someone disagreeable, and with a single word have that person executed; clearly, that would not do. One could be worn down to death through exhausting travel, but one could not be hacked to death by axe and sword...

"Master Fan is spirited," Wang Yan said with a smile, placing both hands on Fan Zhongyan's wrists, taking his pulse while asking diagnostic questions.

After quite some time, Wang Yan used the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone brought by Fan Chunren to write a prescription, then said with a smile, "Master Fan's illness stems from long-suppressed melancholy and chronic sickness that has weakened your body. I wonder if Brother Yaofu has taught me that set of Qigong exercises for strengthening the body?"

"I have learned them. Practicing two sets every morning has indeed greatly improved my health. I hear that Yongshu and Xiren also practice them?"

Wang Yan nodded: "This student believes that excessive movement is harmful, yet so is complete stillness. Drawing upon ancient guiding techniques and Hua Tuo's Five Animals Method, I devised this set of Gong Fa to activate the meridians, stretch the muscles and bones, and strengthen the body. The prescription I have written for Master Fan aims to consolidate the foundation, nurture the primal energy, replenish essence and Qi, regulate the body, and eliminate hidden ailments. Master Fan must diligently practice this Gong Fa, neither rejoicing over external gains nor grieving over personal losses, maintaining a clear and tranquil mind; this is the key to longevity."

Upon hearing the words "neither rejoicing over external gains nor grieving over personal losses," Fan Zhongyan could not help but shake his head and laugh loudly, pointing a trembling finger at Wang Yan: "You ah, so cunning. It is no wonder Yongshu says you know how to be an official."

"Master Fan is scolding this student. Being an official ultimately means accomplishing tasks; how can flattery and sycophancy endure? Furthermore, my words about establishing the heart and establishing destiny have already spread throughout the world. If in the future I gain a reputation as merely a lucky climber, would I not die of shame?"

"Accomplishing tasks also requires that people know of them; otherwise, how can one advance?" Fan Zhongyan had served as an official for several decades; he was not incapable of reform, nor was he incapable of being an official.

Wang Yan smiled, appearing somewhat embarrassed, and began drinking his tea.

Fan Zhongyan said: "Xu Ziyan, do you know that it was I who submitted a memorial to His Majesty the Emperor, recommending you as the Vice Prefect of Hangzhou?"

"After receiving the appointment, I visited Prime Minister Wen; at that time, I had a suspicion. I thought Master Fan regarded me as a kindred spirit in reform and intended to offer guidance."

"Indeed, that was my intention. Last year, when you became Yongshu's disciple, he sent your calligraphy album to me, asking me to comment on it..."

Although Fan Zhongyan said "indeed," he did not actually discuss reform with Wang Yan. Instead, he spoke of his impressions of Wang Yan, starting from Ouyang Xiu boasting about his treasured disciple, continuing through many of Wang Yan's affairs in Jingcheng, and finally producing a pirated copy of "Wang Yan Says" to discuss philosophy with Wang Yan.

But in reality, Fan Zhongyan was discussing reform with Wang Yan, because doctrine equals stance. Since Wang Yan's doctrine served as ideological and theoretical guidance, its core naturally advocated change; however, within his doctrine, he advocated changing oneself and changing one's thoughts.

When implemented in daily life and governance policies, his advocacy must permeate everything. After all, one of his core tenets was the unity of knowledge and action; having established the Dao, he could not "not act."

This was Fan Zhongyan's residence in Hangzhou; whoever served as Prefect lived here, making it the standard official residence for the Prefect of Hangzhou.

This meeting was a private exchange between the two, but since Fan Zhongyan was ultimately the Prefect and Wang Yan ultimately the Vice Prefect, this encounter also carried the meaning of paying respects to the local authority.

It was both an elder testing a junior and a superior probing a subordinate.

Of course, for Fan Zhongyan, the former aspect was certainly more prominent; he was observing Wang Yan's character and ability, purely an act of mentoring a younger generation. After all, he could not remain in Hangzhou for long; his policies could not be fully implemented. Largely like Ouyang Xiu, as long as local officials and powerful families did not cause him trouble and carried out his instructions, he would not punish anyone.

Nor could he attempt any reform here; any significant move would force him to depart again and begin a new journey. Therefore, he merely sought out promising young men, made contact, offered guidance, and left behind some talent for the Great Song to which he was loyal.

Thus, they discussed philosophy until noon. After lunch, while everyone drank tea to aid digestion, having tested Wang Yan's foundational knowledge, theoretical basis, and roughly gauged his character, Fan Zhongyan casually concluded the philosophical discussion and began a new topic.

"Xu Ziyan, as Vice Prefect of Hangzhou, I wonder if you have previously investigated the situation in Hangzhou?"

"I have not," Wang Yan replied, shaking his head. "Before traveling to Jingcheng for the examinations, this student only operated near Yangzhou City. Recently, I merely stopped in Suzhou for three days of sightseeing. Although my family operates a merchant caravan, my knowledge is limited to a few local powerful families; I know nothing of the detailed realities."

Fan Zhongyan took a light sip of locally roasted Mingqian Longjing tea and asked: "In that case, as Vice Prefect managing prefectural affairs, how do you intend to proceed?"

"As the Art of War states: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and in a hundred battles you will never be defeated.' The first priority must be to understand the actual conditions of Hangzhou, focusing primarily on household registration, land, and annual revenue; only then can action be taken."

"How will you act?"

"Investigate land holdings and hidden households, increase commercial taxes, and eliminate redundant militia troops."

Fan Zhongyan was, after all, a great figure of his generation whose countenance remained unchanged even if Mount Taishan collapsed before him. Hearing his favored junior speak such death-seeking words, he merely twitched the corner of his eye, his hand trembling slightly, spilling a little tea.

Steadily setting down his teacup, Fan Zhongyan dabbed his moistened sleeve and said: "Do you know of my past affairs during the Qingli era?"

"Naturally, I am aware," Wang Yan replied with a smile. "However, this student is not attempting reform, but rather implementing local governance."

"What are the responsibilities of a Vice Prefect?"

"To share leadership of prefectural affairs with the Prefect, jointly sign official documents, and manage military and civilian matters, grain and finance, household registration, taxation and corvée labor, and legal disputes. To supervise the Prefect, recommend prefectural officials, and occasionally possess the authority to submit memorials directly to His Majesty the Emperor."

Strictly speaking, the Vice Prefect is the second-in-command of the prefecture, though this is only in name. Whether one is the first, second, or any other ranked leader depends entirely on the individual. If one cannot hold one's position, grasp authority, or manage subordinates, any rank is useless.

Take my wealthy father-in-law, for example; Sheng Hong does not seize power. He maintains perfect harmony with the Prefect and equally harmonious relations with other prefectural officials. He simply performs his duties steadily, offending no one. Governing in this manner, how could he possibly secure the position of second-in-command? His power is essentially delegated downward.

Fan Zhongyan shook his head: "Military and civilian matters, grain and finance, household registration, taxation and corvée labor, and legal disputes must all be discussed with the Prefect; they cannot be decided by your word alone. Furthermore, specific duties must also be negotiated with the Prefect. If he assigns you military and civilian affairs, then you have them; if he assigns you no specific duties, then you are merely a Vice Prefect in name only. You speak of implementing local governance, but viewed from the imperial court, this would be privately enacting new laws, causing chaos among the myriad people, and shaking the foundations of the state. Xu Ziyan, you must absolutely not act too hastily."

"I hear there are bandit troubles in Hangzhou; may I take charge of training the militia troops?"

"There are no bandit troubles in Hangzhou."

"In a few days, there will be."

Fan Zhongyan's eyes suddenly widened, staring fixedly at Wang Yan, whose gaze did not flinch and whose face wore a smile.

Fan Chunren, listening to their exchange from the side while refilling tea and water, was also stunned, looking at Wang Yan with equal incredulity.

After a moment, Fan Zhongyan shook his head: "You have broken the rules."

"Master Fan, rules have always been established by humans. Reform means breaking rules. Master Fan wishes to eliminate the three redundancies and submitted ten points in a memorial, but how could those who benefit willingly surrender the rights in their hands just because Master Fan says so?

Take Hangzhou as an example: investigating land holdings and hidden households—how would the powerful families agree? Local powerful families are extensively connected, deeply linked with this prefecture's officials, and even have connections in the imperial court. Investigating land and hidden households means they must pay more; who wishes to pay more when they can pay less? Especially when they have paid less for decades.

If relying solely on civil administration, how can one make people willingly accept losses? Officials sent to the countryside will certainly conceal much. Once matters are pressed seriously, by that time Master Fan will surely be transferred elsewhere, and this new top scholar, this student, will certainly be recalled to Jingcheng.

Master Fan, struggles over interests are never harmonious; bloodshed is inevitable."

"If training the militia troops, how will they be eliminated?"

"The prefecture must provide funds to launch major construction projects, giving the militia soldiers livelihoods. Land must also be distributed, ensuring they have fields to till and houses to live in."

"Where will the money come from, and where will the land come from?"

"Increase commercial taxes, and confiscate the assets of corrupt and lawless officials, powerful local families, and merchants who privately traffic in salt, iron, tea, and wine."

Wang Yan's words brimmed with murderous intent, causing Fan Zhongyan to involuntarily twitch the corner of his eye.

After the failure of the Qingli Reforms, he had reflected deeply, believing himself to have been too impetuous; he never expected that upon reaching Wang Yan, the approach would be to initiate killing directly. He understood profoundly that Wang Yan's words were too idealistic, and if truly implemented, the difficulties would be immense.

He could not help but shake his head: "Pulling one hair moves the whole body; Xu Ziyan is still too impetuous; this matter will be hard to accomplish."

"How can complete success be achieved in a single morning or evening? Proceeding gradually is the only correct principle."

"How do you intend to act?"

"First, bandits will block the roads and rob merchant caravans; subsequently, commercial taxes will be increased to fund the training of auxiliary troops and finance major construction projects. In the interim, we will rectify official conduct, severing the collusion between local powerful families and the government. Afterwards, under the pretext of suppressing bandits, we will coerce these powerful families into measuring their fields and auditing household registrations, seeking out their errors and omissions to prosecute them according to the law."

"What about Jingcheng?"

"That is merely administering a local region."

"What if you are transferred out of Hangzhou?"

"Perhaps by then I will already have trusted confidants; if those confidants are defeated and authority is seized, mutual attacks and denunciations may ensue. The talk of factionalism arose because of Lord Fan, yet factional struggle is necessary; aligning with one's party necessitates attacking the opposition. If we allow rotating prefectural officials to constantly change policies and directions, how can great affairs be accomplished? This point applies equally to Jingcheng. Reforming the laws requires ensuring their longevity; they must not die with the person who enacted them. If this were not so, why reform the laws at all?"

Fan Zhongyan remained silent; Wang Yan was in no hurry, quietly drinking his tea.

Wang Yan was striving to gain Fan Zhongyan's support, after all, every single matter he mentioned exceeded his authority; without the support of the top leader, many things would be difficult to handle.

Of course, it was only because Fan Zhongyan was here that Wang Yan would speak so openly; otherwise, he would not directly target fundamental issues. It would be necessary to cut flesh with a dull knife, step by step hollowing out superiors, courting subordinates, cultivating partisans, seizing power, and advancing slowly. He needed to appear like an innocent person, silently accomplishing great deeds without making a sound.

However, there was one unfavorable point: Fan Zhongyan's mention of transferring him out of Hangzhou to Jingcheng meant that even without any mid-journey reassignments, he would have only about two years, absolutely unable to complete a full three-year term. The time was somewhat too short; he would be unable to finish some major projects.

But while this was disadvantageous for him, it was very beneficial for the Emperor of the Zhao Song dynasty, preventing local officials from taking too deep root. Yet on the other hand, for other officials transferred back and forth within the same prefecture, as well as for local powerful families, it was also extremely good, because their influence in the local region was difficult to shake.

Therefore, Wang Yan intended to truly execute the jest he had once made with Ouyang Xiu, acting under the pretext of bandits. He spoke of proceeding gradually, but this 'gradually' meant only about two years; without delivering some harsh measures, it simply would not work...

After pondering for a moment, Fan Zhongyan took another sip of tea and finally spoke: "Come to the official office tomorrow, assume your post first, review the documents and accounts with you to understand the actual situation, and only then discuss the matter of administering the local region."

"Yes, Lord Fan."

Wang Yan cupped his hands in salute; seeing Fan Zhongyan lift his teacup, he rose and said, "In that case, this student takes his leave."

Fan Zhongyan nodded with a smile: "Yaofu, see Xu Ziyan out for me."

"Yes, Father." Fan Chunren responded, rose, and led Wang Yan out of the residence.

Once outside, he said: "Xu Ziyan, I never expected you to harbor such schemes."

"Brother Yaofu, as I just stated, struggles over interests inevitably involve bloodshed. The foundation of reform lies in taking from those who have excess to supplement those who lack. Who in this world is willing to willingly relinquish rights and voluntarily sacrifice their surplus? Only when blades and axes are at their throats, endangering their lives, will they, out of desperation, seek to avert disaster by sacrificing wealth. With mere kind words and no methods, nothing can be accomplished."

Wang Yan smiled and patted Fan Chunren's shoulder: "This is something I have recently realized. Brother Yaofu, there is plenty of time; we can chat slowly later, and by then you will understand where the problems lie. Let us end it here for today; my household is currently packing up. In a few days, send your family chef over to properly learn the craft; Lord Fan must still eat well."

"Tomorrow I will seek out some tonics..."

"Lord Fan is advanced in years and cannot tolerate tonics. When I say 'eat well,' I mean dishes that are light and varied. I will explain this to your family cook later; go back now."

Having said this, Wang Yan turned, clasped his hands behind his back, and strolled away leisurely.

As the nominal second-in-command of the prefecture, directly appointed by the imperial court, Wang Yan, in his capacity as Prefectural Judge, naturally also had an official residence. It was not far from Fan Zhongyan's Prefect's residence, and equally not far from the official office.

Although his official residence was not as large as the Prefect's residence, it was by no means inferior. Roughly equivalent to a three-courtyard compound, it lacked neither rockery landscapes nor winding streams, embodying the exquisite beauty of the Jiang Nan graceful style of classical architecture to perfection. One could always maintain expectations regarding the taste of local officials.

For Wang Yan's family, this house was still too large; they did not have that many people...

Wang Fu, yes, it was indeed Wang Fu. Before Wang Yan had arrived to take up his post, the plaque here had already been changed; administrative efficiency was maximized.

At the gate of the residence, people were coming and going, moving household goods transported from Yangzhou. A sturdy man in his twenties stood to one side, instructing the workers to be careful in their labor.

Seeing Wang Yan return, that man hurried over: "Young Master."

This sturdy man was Wang Fuli's youngest son, Wang Youyin. As Yangzhou was their main base, it was certainly impossible to leave it without reliable people watching over it; therefore, the old steward Wang Fuli had remained in Yangzhou to guard the home, sending his youngest son along to serve as Wang Yan's steward.

Wang Fuli's family was naturally very reliable; this belonged to the great gift package delivered by his living father figure. There was no need to say much about Wang Fuli; he had helped him withstand others' covetous designs and had always served with unwavering loyalty.

The two brothers, Youjin and Youyin, had previously been farming at home. It was precisely because Wang Fuli feared creating unfavorable misunderstandings—after all, with father and two sons all working for Wang Yan as senior staff, it would be very easy to sideline Wang Yan—that Wang Yan had previously mentioned having the two brothers go out to work.

In reality, the two brothers, Youjin and Youyin, were literate and proficient in martial arts, belonging to the hereditary fighters of the old Wang family.

"Big Brother Youyin, have sister-in-law and the others been settled in?"

"Young Master, where would we have so many things to settle? With just the two of us, husband and wife, everything was packed up long ago; we are currently helping the Lady with her tasks."

Wang Yan nodded and whispered instructions: "Go send a message to the merchant caravan; select fifty reliable hands to go to Tonglu, occupy the mountains and become kings, robbing merchant caravans; they may absorb refugees and slowly expand."

Fan Zhongyan wanted him to wait primarily because he believed his 'method of administering the local region' was immature; he wanted to temper him, making him think carefully about whether it could truly succeed and whether it should truly be done. But time waits for no one; Wang Yan would not listen to advice, preferring to rob the roads and make money first before discussing anything else.

He intended to demonstrate what 'administering the local region' truly meant...