Chapter 105: Li Qingzhao

…

Recently, Cai Jing, who enjoyed Zhao Yu's heavy favor, was at the peak of his influence, even overshadowing his younger brother Cai Bian and drawing close to Chancellor Zhang Dun.

Some speculated that Zhao Yu was vigorously promoting Cai Jing to groom him as Zhang Dun's successor.

This had nearly become a shared assumption throughout court and countryside.

In fact, during this period, the Old Party's fierce attacks on the New Party and on Cai Jing were aimed at preventing this dangerous man from ascending to power.

Cai Jing had a tough, decisive political style and extremely rich political experience.

Long ago, Cai Jing had advised Zhang Dun, who was already hardline, to take even harsher measures.

Cai Jing told Zhang Dun: "The reform faces great resistance; we must learn from the failures of Prime Minister Wang's earlier reforms…"

In short, Cai Jing believed that to secure the success of reform, one must begin politically—by ruthlessly and thoroughly eliminating the Empress Yuanyou faction's power.

Cai Jing even suggested to Zhao Xu and Zhang Dun that they completely purge officials listed in the Empress Yuanyou faction's registry.

Specifically: all living officials on the Empress Yuanyou registry were to be demoted and exiled; all deceased ones were to have their titles stripped, and their descendants were forbidden to remain in the capital or sit for the imperial examinations. The names of Empress Yuanyou officials were to be engraved in imperial calligraphy on stone tablets and placed on the eastern wall outside the Wende Palace's Duanli Gate, proclaimed nationwide as a perpetual warning to all future ministers—those named on the tablet would never be reappointed. Moreover, the names were to be sent to all prefectures and counties, requiring them to replicate the capital's stone monuments to publicly expose their evils.

But Zhao Xu and Zhang Dun felt Cai Jing's crackdown was too broad and excessively cruel, so they rejected the proposal.

Now, Cai Jing was receiving Zhao Yu's heavy favor.

Many Old Party figures were deeply anxious, fearing that the moment Cai Jing became chancellor, their doom would arrive.

Not long ago, to prepare the "Overseas Trade Option System," Cai Jing personally visited Mingzhou Port, Hangzhou Port, and Quanzhou Port to inspect these harbors firsthand. Had he not been too busy to spare the time, he even planned to travel to Guangzhou Port himself.

Cai Jing made this trip because Zhao Yu told him: "I've heard that overseas merchants are immensely wealthy—countless ones possess fortunes of a million guan; some have earned two hundred million guan in just over a decade in the Southern Seas, their wealth rivaling nations. In future, our Great Song must vigorously develop maritime trade."

This fact came from Zhao Yu's previous life, when he heard a certain Song-era world financial historian on Ku say it—he was speaking not of the Northern Song, but of the Southern Song.

But the fact that overseas merchants made fortunes was true regardless of Northern or Southern Song.

At the time, Zhao Yu had merely mentioned it in passing while discussing the "Overseas Trade Option System."

Yet Cai Jing took it to heart.

After returning home, Cai Jing investigated and discovered that the Song Dynasty's silk, porcelain, and tea had vast overseas markets; merchants from Southeast Asia and the Middle East had strong demand for these goods, and maritime traders could earn enormous profits transporting them abroad.

Moreover, Song Dynasty ships were large and well-built, capable of long-distance voyages; the compass's application to navigation greatly improved safety and accuracy, lowered transportation costs, and increased trade opportunities—laying the foundational conditions for vigorously developing maritime trade.

Cai Jing keenly perceived that if the court encouraged maritime trade, established institutions like the Maritime Trade Supervisory Bureaus to manage and assist merchants, rewarded those who attracted foreign traders, and cultivated a favorable commercial environment, this would surely become an extremely lucrative source of revenue.

Thus, amid his busy schedule, Cai Jing carved out time to personally investigate.

The result: Cai Jing did not find the overseas merchant who had earned two hundred million guan, but he found a merchant named Yang Erlang, who had amassed tens of millions of guan through maritime trade in just a few years—and indeed, many merchants had grown rich through maritime trade.

This stirred Cai Jing's ambitions—he prepared to target this wealthy class of maritime merchants.

Upon Cai Jing's return, Ceng Bu sent his son to welcome him ten miles beyond the city gate, while Han Zhongyan sent his brother to greet him twenty miles out.

Ceng Bu and Han Zhongyan were both chancellors ranked above Cai Jing, yet even they treated him with such importance, even lowering themselves to court him.

Not only did these ruling elites foresee Cai Jing's future, but even some retired political heavyweights from the Old Party also favored him.

For example, the seventy-year-old Lyu Princess.

Lyu Princess was unquestionably an Old Party elder; during Gao Taotao's rule, he cooperated closely with Sima Guang as his key deputy.

Before Cai Jing left the capital, Lyu Princess personally and warmly invited him to his residence. He told Cai Jing: "I have served in court for decades and met countless men—none surpass you! You will surely ascend to the chancellorship."

Lyu Princess then had his descendants line up beside him, standing respectfully, and earnestly said to Cai Jing: "Today I entrust all my descendants to you—do not refuse."

This reveals just how powerful Cai Jing's momentum had become.

Some Old Party figures found this intolerable.

For instance, Su Zhe once utterly disparaged Cai Jing, saying: "Cai Jing has no talent in literature or governance, his character is contemptible, the scholars reject him; had he not been related by marriage to Cai Bian and Wang Anshi, he could never have risen alongside his brother to such high office."

Many others cited Cai Jing's early political opportunism and utter lack of moral principle.

Crucially, many Old Party figures feared that when Cai Jing ascended to the chancellorship, it would be their ruin.

So they sought to put forward a man to defeat Cai Jing—and even help him seize the chancellorship—then abolish all New Policies entirely.

The Old Party knew Zhao Yu favored capable men; if they nominated an ordinary person, he would not even notice them, let alone let them defeat Cai Jing.

After much deliberation, the Old Party settled on Zhao Tingzhi, Vice Minister of Personnel.

Strictly speaking, Zhao Tingzhi was not Old Party—he was New Party. In his early years, he staunchly advocated inheriting and developing Wang Anshi's New Policies; amid the fierce New-Old Party conflict, he vigorously promoted the Shaozhu doctrine and spared no effort to exclude Empress Yuanyou officials.

Zhao Tingzhi had become Old Party only recently, primarily because he had grown close to Li Kefei, one of the "Four Later Disciples of the Su Clan."

In his early days in Dezhou, Zhao Tingzhi implemented the Market Exchange Law as ordered by court. Huang Tingjian, then in charge of De'an Town, believed the town was small and its people too poor to bear such exactions.

Because Huang Tingjian had once mocked Zhao Tingzhi in speech, Zhao Tingzhi harbored resentment, later seized an opportunity to slander him to Zhao Xu, resulting in Huang Tingjian's demotion and eventual death in Yizhou.

When Zhao Tingzhi was summoned for examination, Su Shi said: "Zhao Tingzhi is a petty man who hoards wealth; his learning and character are unworthy—how could he suit this position?"—blocking Zhao Tingzhi's advancement.

Later, when Zhao Tingzhi became Censor, he submitted a memorial accusing Su Shi of slander for writing the phrase "the people toil" in his calligraphy, claiming it defamed the former emperor; this became one of the charges used against Su Shi later.

Because of these incidents, Zhao Tingzhi's relations with the Old Party had always been strained.

Yet after Zhao Yu ascended the throne, he recalled Su Shi and Su Zhe and appointed them as chancellors.

Moreover, Zhao Yu's intentions clearly signaled his plan to heavily rely on the two brothers.

On the other hand, Zhao Tingzhi had long disliked Cai Jing and repeatedly exposed his treacherous deeds.

Now, as Cai Jing rose rapidly, Zhao Tingzhi naturally feared retaliation.

Thus, Zhao Tingzhi felt he should mend ties with the Old Party—or even defect to them outright—otherwise, when Cai Jing turned on him, he might have no one to speak for him.

Based on this, Zhao Tingzhi actively cultivated ties with Li Kefei.

Li Kefei greatly admired Zhao Tingzhi's abilities and introduced him to his teacher, Su Shi.

After being recalled by Zhao Yu, promoted to chancellor, and entrusted with the weight of talent assessment, Su Shi—who had long been depressed and unfulfilled—felt his inner bitterness dissipate, as if reborn in his second spring; he looked noticeably younger.

At this moment, the confident and spirited Su Shi, eager to repay Zhao Yu's trust, needed men like Zhao Tingzhi to assist him.

Crucially, Su Shi was a broad-minded man—he had even forgiven Zhang Dun, who had driven him from the court he loved—how much more so Zhao Tingzhi?

Thus, Zhao Tingzhi changed his allegiance, transforming himself into an Old Party figure.

Soon after, the Old Party sought someone to challenge Cai Jing.

But the Old Party had no shortage of literary masters—propaganda was their forte, and they had no lack of talent for orderly governance, yet when it came to economic expertise, they… had none.

This was normal; the Old Party had always advocated adhering to ancestral laws, and their economic policies typically involved cutting expenditures and conserving resources, rather than empowering outstanding economic talents to stimulate the economy or generate wealth—in their view, such measures were too radical. How could they possibly retain economic experts under such a system?

With no alternative, the Old Party had no choice but to pick the best among the mediocre, and ultimately selected Zhao Tingzhi, who had just joined their ranks.

Zhao Tingzhi's official career was also substantial; his early achievements had always been outstanding, he had once been dispatched as an envoy to Liao, and he was Cai Jing's political rival. Crucially, he was already Vice Minister of Personnel—his rank was high enough.

Notably, Zhao Tingzhi had long opposed Cai Jing's proposals on monetary reform.

He believed the monetary system must not be altered capriciously; measures such as Cai Jing's proposal to mint coins worth five and ten units could not be implemented. Though such measures offered short-term advantages—increasing state revenue, standardizing the currency market, and facilitating trade—they would also trigger inflation, disrupt market order, harm the people's interests, and intensify social tensions.

Thus, when the Old Party learned Zhao Yu intended to reform the monetary system, they conspired to promote Zhao Tingzhi to replace Cai Jing and take on this critical task, thereby drawing Zhao Yu's attention.

At this moment, Zhao Yu said: "I intend to reform the monetary system. Who is fit for this?"

Zhao Tingzhi stepped forward immediately and volunteered: "I humbly request to try."

Zhao Yu held a poor impression of Zhao Tingzhi.

This was primarily because, historically, Zhao Tingzhi had once ousted Cai Jing and become chancellor himself, then, like Sima Guang, he rashly abolished every reform Cai Jing had enacted—including establishing schools, reviving rites and music, and setting up homes for the elderly and hospitals for the sick—all measures that benefited the people. His actions plunged the Zhao Song court into chaos, and after only eight months as chancellor, he was driven from office by ministers and subjects alike.

Moreover, Zhao Yu was well aware that, deep down, Zhao Tingzhi was just as much a pure political opportunist as Cai Jing—flexible in political stance, poor in character, capricious in action, and utterly devoid of political integrity.

Indeed, in Zhao Yu's view, Zhao Tingzhi's character was even worse than Cai Jing's.

Yet on the other hand, Zhao Tingzhi was still a man capable of becoming chancellor, one who had left his mark in history; his resume was impressive. If one judged solely by capability and not by moral character, he was not entirely unworthy of consideration.

Furthermore, although Cai Jing understood monetary reform profoundly, precisely because he understood it too well, if entrusted with reform, he would certainly bring the court substantial revenue—but he would also inevitably cause inflation and currency depreciation, imposing even greater pressure on the populace.

And Zhao Yu's goal in reforming the monetary system was precisely to maintain currency stability, promote economic development, increase state revenue, and prevent inflation and currency depreciation.

Seen this way, entrusting the reform to the conservative Zhao Tingzhi might not be unreasonable.

As for Zhao Tingzhi's inferior ability compared to Cai Jing, that too could be managed.

Zhao Yu still had Zhao Kai and Zhang Que—two economic experts—who could fully replace Cai Jing's role.

Moreover, an emperor must never put all his eggs in one basket.

Soon after, Old Party ministers stepped forward one after another to endorse Zhao Tingzhi, asserting he was certainly capable of handling the monetary reform.

Zhao Yu considered for a moment; he had leaned too far toward the New Party today. It might be wise to offer the Old Party a sweet gesture, to prevent them from panicking and acting rashly before he was ready. He said to Zhao Tingzhi: "You may come to the Chuigong Hall to see me later."

Zhao Tingzhi was overjoyed and immediately knelt to the ground: "Your servant humbly accepts the imperial decree and thanks Your Majesty."

After dismissing Zhao Tingzhi, the morning court continued…

Only now did Cai Jing casually cast a glance at Zhao Tingzhi, the man who had stolen his work. The feud between them was now irreparably sealed…

After a period of adjustment, Zhao Yu had fully adapted to his role as emperor.

At this stage, Zhao Yu carried forward and expanded all the fine traditions established by Zhao Xu. He promoted new talent, initiated reforms, was resolute yet not conservative, steady yet bold in innovation.

Though no one could say how far Zhao Yu would ultimately go, both the New Party and the Old Party could see clearly: under Zhao Yu's leadership, the path of the Zhao Song dynasty was growing ever wider…

…

After court dismissed.

Li Kefei returned home and saw his beloved daughter—sixteen-year-old Li Qingzhao.

At that moment, Li Qingzhao lay on a rocking chair in the courtyard, holding a scroll, reading leisurely through a volume of "Shi Shuo Xin Yu." A gentle breeze stirred her hair, and she was lost in the world of the book—sometimes her brows furrowed slightly, moved by its sorrows and joys; sometimes her lips curved upward, delighted by its exquisite phrasing.

Seeing her father return, Li Qingzhao immediately rose and flew toward him like a joyful little butterfly.

At age six, Li Qingzhao had moved to Dongjing Bianliang with her father Li Kefei to study culture, absorbing the family's scholarly traditions through constant exposure. Combined with her intelligence and quick understanding, she soon displayed extraordinary talent and quickly rose to prominence in the literary world.

Not long ago, she composed the verse "Ru Meng Ling: Last Night, Sparse Rain, Strong Wind," which would later become widely celebrated.

Upon its release, the poem caused a sensation throughout the capital.

At the time, every scholar clapped in admiration; none could match its brilliance. Even her master's master, Su Shi, praised Li Qingzhao for her spiritual insight.

Li Kefei doted on this daughter and was immensely proud of her.

Seeing Li Qingzhao run over, Li Kefei frowned and scolded: "You're already a young lady—still so impetuous. How will you ever marry?"

"If no one will have me, I'll stay by Father's side forever and care for him," Li Qingzhao replied without fear. With curious eyes, she asked: "Did you meet His Majesty?"

"I did," Li Kefei said as he walked into the courtyard.

—Li Kefei had just been reassigned to the court as Assistant Minister of Rites; today was his first audience with Zhao Yu.

"How was he?" Li Qingzhao asked.

Li Kefei stopped and said, his face filled with reverence: "Remarkable."

"What do you mean?" Li Qingzhao asked, even more curious.

Li Kefei looked at Li Qingzhao and said: "His Majesty is composed and measured, graceful in advance and retreat, decisive with reason. He possesses the bearing of a sage ruler. Our Great Song has hope of revival."

Li Qingzhao had never expected her father to give such a high evaluation to this young emperor—it made her even more curious about Zhao Yu.

Her eyes darted, and a plan formed in her mind. She said: "Father, I've heard the palace will hold an imperial examination for the harem, a matter surely under the Ministry of Rites' jurisdiction. Could you teach me how to observe it?"

…

(End of Chapter)