Chapter 199: Discourse at the Tavern (Happy 30th Birthday, Uncle Bear)

Entering the seventh month, it would be self-deception to say there were no new stories, for this was still a time of chaos and war.

However, from the seventh to the eighth month, the court handled many matters large and small, most of which were overshadowed by the special imperial examination—after all, this round of selecting scholars was nothing like the hasty appointments made in Nanyang before.

First, this was the first examination held since the return to the old capital, carrying immense political significance. If it proceeded smoothly and the court then held the Eastern Capital through the coming "after autumn," then even if the Great Song remained at a disadvantage, under severe military threat, and facing the reality of vast territorial losses, the situation could at least be called "stabilized."

Second, since the year's fighting had effectively ended by the first month, even the Central Plains had time for some spring planting. Coupled with the suppression of the southeastern military rebellion and the great victory in Jingdong, while it was too early to say that political and economic order had been fully restored across the land, at least the movement of people and goods had recovered to a certain degree.

Beyond this, with the "compromise upon compromise" policy of His Majesty Zhao Jiu and Lu Xiang, this examination included: formal examinations for prefectural and imperial academy students; outstanding clerks receiving appointments before the throne; wealthy households that ransomed Hebei refugees being granted student status; and even military children meeting certain conditions being allowed to participate...

In a word, this round of examinations was on an enormous scale.

Of course, this was also a necessary response to the near-total vacuum of officials in the Central Plains after the Jingkang Incident.

Moreover, for the scholar-officials of Jiangnan and Bashu who had previously been idle or hesitant, the presence of His Majesty in the old capital was a powerful moral and political stimulus. Thus, this special examination and the revival of Dongjing caused many who already held official titles to abandon their hesitation and return with the tide.

Of course, how many came with the tide and how many returned out of principle was hard to say.

But regardless, with this examination and the autumn harvest gradually beginning from south to north, goods gathered, and amid the splendor, the Eastern Capital—ravaged for three or four years—once again showed signs of a flourishing literary age. This led some to temporarily forget "after autumn," relax slightly, and even indulge in intoxication.

However, by the eighth month, as the classification of "righteous men" who had ransomed Hebei refugees was completed and the prefectural students' examinations for the Imperial Academy had ended, just as the final palace examination approached, news suddenly came from the west. It caused a stir at court, and because the matter was too clear to conceal, it quickly spread to the streets, sparking endless debate among scholars.

And the Imperial Academy students—especially those who had just taken exams and were about to face the palace examination—who could control their tongues?

His Majesty? Or the several chancellors?

If His Majesty Zhao Jiu and the chancellors actually tried to silence them, they would probably speak even louder, afraid that His Majesty and the chancellors wouldn't hear.

In short, this matter quickly became the focus of events in the Eastern Capital, especially in the area inside the Vermilion Bird Gate of the inner city, south of the Xiangguo Temple, centered around the former Imperial Academy and National University. Surrounding taverns, small shops, and even street stalls buzzed with repeated discussions.

Among these, on a cross street directly south of the Xiangguo Temple, there were several taverns... Logically, with the Xiangguo Temple opposite working day and night to produce military equipment, the constant noise, and armed soldiers frequently passing through to seal off areas, business should have been poor. But in reality, rumors that His Majesty had repeatedly visited the area in plain clothes made these establishments thrive, especially with so many Imperial Academy students around.

"Zizhi, Binfu, you two come from Shu. Can you determine the full story of this matter?"

At a table by the street, a loud-voiced man named Hu Quan, a native of Jiangxi, spoke. Because of his direct and intense personality, his age (twenty-eight), and his extensive knowledge and literary talent, he was the so-called "big brother" in the common Imperial Academy student groups in the Eastern Capital.

Thus, at today's gathering, as usual, he rolled up his sleeves and started before the food even arrived.

As for Zizhi, whose real name was Chao Gongwu, a man of twenty-five or twenty-six, he just smiled bitterly at the question: "Brother Bangheng (Hu Quan), my family was originally from Jizhou. We only moved to Shu to avoid disaster at the end of the Jingkang era. I've been there only two years and don't even know the key figures in Shu. Asking me about this is like asking a blind man for directions."

Hu Quan didn't mind and simply turned to another at the table: "What about you, Binfu? Your family is a centuries-old renowned clan in Shu, and Commissioner Zhang's (Zhang Jun) family is also a centuries-old renowned clan in Shu. You must have connections. Besides, your father is now serving under Commissioner Zhang. You should have some insight, right?"

The man styled Binfu, barely over twenty and clearly the youngest in the group, thought for a moment but also shook his head: "To be honest, Brother Bangheng, if you ask me to guess, I can always guess, but..."

"Then guess." Hu Quan cut him off before he could finish. "We're thousands of li away. Do you have to see it with your own eyes to speak?"

At this, everyone at the table laughed, and even scholars and students at nearby tables pricked up their ears—after all, a renowned Shu clan, and this man's father seemed to be a subordinate of Zhang Jun; he might just be an insider.

"If I were to guess, based on what I've seen in Shu, Commissioner Zhang (Zhang Jun) is capable of doing such a thing." The youngest, the so-called scion of a renowned Shu clan, immediately spoke seriously. "But this matter may not have been his doing alone."

"How so?" Hu Quan asked eagerly.

"First, although Commissioner Zhang (Zhang Jun) oversees the transport of five circuits, he is only a Transport Commissioner, not a Military Governor. So this matter must have had the approval of Chancellor Yuwen; otherwise, it would be a clear overstep and disorderly conduct," the young man said frankly. "Second, Wang Xie is the highest-ranking military officer in Guanxi after Qu Duan left. The matter concerns Guanxi military affairs, and the one who replaced former Grand Coordinator Wang as the Military Commissioner for the two circuits of Shaanxi, who would command the five circuits' armies in wartime, is Commissioner Hu (Hu Yin)... Therefore, dealing with Wang Xie seems more like Commissioner Hu's proper duty. At the very least, Commissioner Hu must have been informed."

At the mention of Hu Yin, in a corner of the tavern, two men—one older, one younger, looking like father and son, both dressed as scholars—who had been silently waiting for their food, almost simultaneously looked up, showing a bit of interest.

"Yunwen, are you saying that this matter was a joint effort by the three top officials in Guanxi, who schemed to kill Wang Xie, and Commissioner Zhang was just the executioner?" Hu Quan poured himself wine as dishes began to arrive, still speaking freely without restraint. "And since it was a joint effort by the three, His Majesty must have known the details. Given our His Majesty's previous actions, it might even have been done at his instigation. We just don't know and are treating it as news?"

The young man named Yunwen, styled Binfu, was naturally Yu Yunwen, a descendant of the Tang chancellor Yu Shinan and a scion of a renowned Shu clan. He said nothing more, hesitated slightly, then nodded slightly—acknowledging Hu Quan's insight.

Not only that, but many around them were also deep in thought, except for the older of the two men in the corner, who shook his head slightly.

The recent shocking event was none other than another conflict between civil and military officials in Guanxi. Compared to when Qu Duan had detained Grand Coordinator Wang Shu and flogged the Censor-in-Chief, this time it was even more excessive: Zhang Jun, the Transport Commissioner of the five circuits of Bashu, had suddenly acted and directly killed Wang Xie, the highest-ranking military officer in Guanxi!

The matter was very simple and clear... Previously, Shi Dalang, a remnant of Song Jiang's gang, had declared himself emperor in Xingyuan Prefecture (Hanzhong) and rebelled, attacking the prefectural city. Since Guanxi already had Yuwen Xuzhong, a chancellor-level official, the court had not interfered much.

So, almost as a matter of course, Wang Xie, the Prefect of Fengxiang Prefecture and the highest-ranking military officer in Guanxi, far above other generals, was immediately appointed Commander-in-Chief and entered Hanzhong to take overall command of the pacification campaign.

However, this fellow spent several months pacifying the rebellion in Hanzhong. By the time the war between the Song and the puppet Qi in the east had started and ended, he was still at it. What's more, last month, in the seventh month, he actually let Shi Dalang slip out of the mountain valleys of Hanzhong!

Whether it was a surprise attack through Ziwu Valley or a determined push through Qishan, no one knew. But Shi Dalang suddenly appeared west of Chang'an, preparing to attack it.

Then something even more absurd happened. Shi Dalang, whom Wang Xie, with the combined forces of Fengxiang, Xingyuan, Xihe Circuit, and four circuits of Bashu reinforcements, plus the cooperation of Xin Xingzong, the commander of the Imperial Guard's Central Army and defender of Wuguan, had been unable to defeat, was destroyed in a single battle by reinforcements from the Jingyuan Circuit hastily sent by Hu Yin. Shi Dalang was beheaded.

It was said that only five thousand troops under Wu Jie, the Military Supervisor of Jingyuan Circuit, actually participated in the battle.

Wang Xie had his own explanation. He claimed that Shi Dalang's elite forces had already been worn down by him, General Wang, in Hanzhong. The Shi Dalang who reached Chang'an was just an empty shell. So the credit and the hard work were still his. Supervisor Wu certainly deserved credit, but he had taken advantage of the situation. And you know, this argument had some merit; at least the logic was sound and hard to refute.

So, Zhang Jun, the Transport Commissioner of the five circuits of Bashu, who had been stationed in Lizhou (the Guangyuan and Jiameng area) near Xingyuan Prefecture, immediately sent a message saying he would personally bring a large amount of money and supplies to Xingyuan to reward the troops, and asked Wang Xie to wait for him before returning to Fengxiang.

What followed was almost identical to the dirty trick His Majesty Zhao Jiu had pulled in Yanyang... Zhang Jun rode lightly into Hanzhong, entered the military camp, first found Liu Qi, the Longyou Protector of Xihe Circuit, who was technically his subordinate, and then had Liu Qi connect and gather the commanders of various units. Only then did he openly enter Xingyuan Prefecture city to see Wang Xie.

By this time, Zhang Jun had effectively taken control of all the troops in Hanzhong.

However, Zhang Deyuan was, after all, a cultured man. No matter how much he imitated, he wouldn't stoop to someone else's level. He first had dinner with Wang Xie, talking about rewarding the troops as they ate. Halfway through, he got up to use the latrine. When he returned, Wang Xie had already stopped breathing.

It was said that even Liu Qi, a scholarly general, didn't dirty his own hands. He simply had armored soldiers bind Wang Xie and then smother him to death with wet linen cloth on the mat, without spilling a single drop of blood.

Now, such things, with the precedents of Liu Guangshi, Ding Jin, Fan Qiong, and even Du Chong, and with one's eyes closed, one could imagine that Wang Xie had certainly done things deserving death, like Liu Guangshi. But before, it was His Majesty Zhao Jiu, wielding imperial authority, who had done such dirty work. And everyone had long been accustomed to the willful actions of the Zhao Song emperors.

This time, Zhang Jun, a mere Transport Commissioner, doing such a thing, suddenly sent a chill through the Eastern Capital, which had been immersed in literary elegance.

Not to mention the unique geographical environment of Shu. If Zhang Jun, after killing Wang Xie and taking over military command as Transport Commissioner, were to burn the plank roads, the consequences would be dire.

So, it was no wonder that the Censorate was submitting memorials of impeachment one after another, and the Imperial Academy students were buzzing with discussion.

"Actually, it's not surprising!"

The group ate many dishes at the table and forced the young Yu Yunwen to drink two cups of wine, talking about their expectations for the upcoming palace examination. The atmosphere improved, but the loud-voiced Hu Quan suddenly stopped his cup and sighed.

"What's not surprising?" Chao Gongwu put down his chopsticks, wiping his mouth as he asked casually... Among young people, there was no need for a straight man; everyone was eager to join the conversation.

"It's not surprising that this matter has caused such a stir." Hu Quan said with emotion. "I just realized the reason... Have you calculated how many years the Song-Jin war has been going on?"

"Do we need to calculate?" Someone at the table answered casually. "One and a half years of Jingkang, two and a half years of Jianyan. Exactly four years!"

"Exactly. The two countries have been at war across the entire front for a full four years."

Hu Quan shook his head repeatedly. "For these four years, the Jin have come every year after autumn, from Hebei to the Central Plains, causing devastation and chaos... Zizhi, your family fled from Jizhou to Bashu and then returned. You must have seen a lot, so I won't mention it. But even I, seeing the rise and fall of bandits and rebel armies in Jiangxi, and the ruined towns I passed on my way here, feel that this era can truly be called a time of chaos."

"Indeed."

Yu Yunwen, recalling the turmoil within Bashu after Jingkang and the sights along the Yangtze River down to Jingxiang and then from Jingxiang to here, was also at a loss for words... Especially those nearly empty cities, which deeply shook him, a mere twenty-year-old.

"And in times of chaos, as Yunwen guessed, with the approval of a chancellor-level official, what is so significant about a high court official killing a general who has harmed the country? Is it more serious than the Jingkang Incident? At this moment, everything—systems, people, affairs—should be focused on resisting the Jin. However, people's hearts yearn for stability. There are always those who don't want to think about the Jingkang Incident, or about the two emperors, both legitimate Sons of Heaven, still imprisoned and humiliated in the north, or about the fall of the two rivers and the slaughter of millions of people. They only feel that His Majesty seems capable, has held the Yellow River, and returned to the old capital. They want to bury their heads and enjoy a moment of peace in Dongjing. Then Commissioner Zhang's actions in the west easily tear open the scar, making it seem untimely. This is the fundamental reason for such a stir..." Hu Quan continued to speak freely, without restraint, tearing open the scar in public, causing several tables of scholars and students in the tavern to fall into an awkward silence.

Hu Quan paid them no heed and continued to tear at the scar: "But have these people ever thought that after this special examination, as soon as the weather turns cold, the Jin army might make a move? And when the time comes for another siege of Dongjing, how many of those who pass this examination will follow the example of the puppet Qi's Liu Yu and Hong Ya and easily surrender to the enemy?"

The atmosphere grew even more awkward, but those at his table, having known him for a long time, were well aware of this Jiangxi scholar's temperament. They dared not persuade him, only shaking their heads.

It was Yu Yunwen who, being the youngest among them and exceptionally talented with a good nature, was usually looked after by everyone, so he spoke up at this moment to mediate:

"Brother Bangheng, rest assured. Even if my guess just now was random, even if there really are one or two untrustworthy people at court, it won't affect the big picture. His Majesty and the councilors are always clear-headed... Not to mention, the construction at Daxiangguo Temple never stops day or night, the moats around Dongjingcheng are being deepened, the city walls reinforced, and the Bianhe River is being dredged and deepened. Clearly, the central government has not slackened in the slightest."

Hu Quan nodded immediately but then shook his head slightly: "That argument is correct, yet not entirely correct... It's true for now, but what about the future? I'm only afraid that His Majesty is young. After just two years of vigor, he might be led astray by others. It's not as if he hasn't been led astray before..."

As soon as these words were spoken, even though the autumn heat had not yet dissipated, the tavern fell into an icy silence.

By now, the surrounding scholars and students had already discerned the general background of this table. Clearly, this was a group of young, staunchly pro-war Imperial Academy students.

Of course, Imperial Academy students as a group were naturally pro-war. Moreover, the current Emperor absolutely forbade peace negotiations, so anyone who wanted an official post had to be pro-war. Thus, not only ordinary students, but even those unusual ones who had bought their way into the Academy by ransoming Hebei refugees to the capital, were all pro-war.

So the issue wasn't there. Rather, this loud-voiced Imperial Academy student from Jiangxi, by openly discussing the Emperor's past affairs in public, was bordering on 'criticizing the imperial carriage.' And given that the current Emperor's so-called past affairs, when linked with the words 'Imperial Academy student' and 'criticizing the imperial carriage,' inevitably brought to mind the wrongfully executed Chen Dong.

One could only say that for this man to speak so bluntly, he must truly have guts and be genuinely pro-war without a doubt!

In fact, as soon as these words were spoken, not only did the surrounding scholars and students fall silent, but even those at the same table dared not speak. Only Yu Yunwen, perhaps because of his youth, remained unperturbed and continued the discussion as usual:

"I still think Brother Bangheng is overthinking it. His Majesty ascended the throne hastily as a Prince of the Blood, without any plan or intention at the start. That's why he was briefly led astray by Huang Qianshan and Kang Lü... But later events showed his resolve was firm, and he has hardly wavered in these two years."

"I still have doubts." Hu Quan shook his head frankly. "Doubts about His Majesty, and also about some people... But as for His Majesty, since I've come to take the exams, if I'm selected, I will naturally fulfill my duty as a minister and offer frank remonstrance at every opportunity. It's just that some people, though not malicious, are pedantic and harm the nation. Yet these very people can manipulate the classics and confuse others. I can't help but worry that in the future I'll be powerless and end up watching His Majesty be led astray by such men."

The few at the table finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Chao Gongwu took the opportunity to ask: "Brother Bangheng, have you encountered or heard something?"

"Indeed," Hu Quan picked up his chopsticks and suddenly laughed. "Do you remember? When I first entered the capital, because I was about the same age and from the south, many in the Academy saw my wide social circle and assumed I was that Grand Coordinator Hu's younger brother..."

Everyone at the table laughed along.

But amid the laughter, one person suddenly said thoughtfully: "Speaking of which, I've heard recently that Grand Coordinator Hu's father and younger brother have also come to Dongjing. As soon as they entered the capital, they were summoned by His Majesty. Brother Bangheng, are you referring to this? But Grand Coordinator Hu's father is a famous Daoist scholar nationwide, and his younger brother, who is the same age as you, also has a considerable reputation. Could there be something wrong with them too?"

"Of course there's something wrong!" Hu Quan replied seriously. "I learned from Liu Ziyu what Grand Coordinator Hu's father, Hu Anguo, said to His Majesty during their audience. I find it utterly preposterous!"

Liu Ziyu was the younger brother of Liu Ziyu, the Chief Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, so his words were naturally credible. And Hu Quan was a prominent figure in the Imperial Academy. Liu Ziyu, being of similar age, associated with him, so it was normal for him to share some political secrets.

The tavern grew quiet again. Many pricked up their ears to listen, except for the father-and-son pair in the corner, who seemed deaf to it all and continued eating with their heads down.

"What did he say?" Chao Gongwu was the first unable to contain himself.

"His Majesty asked him how to handle the current situation... He talked about defending Dongjing, promoting the loyal and virtuous, selecting talented people, and prioritizing military affairs—which could be considered the discourse of a famous Daoist scholar. He advised His Majesty to personally perform sacrifices at the imperial mausoleums, hold more classics lectures, and guard against officials forming cliques—which was also substantive. But at the very end, this man actually urged His Majesty to cultivate his qi!" Hu Quan finally showed a mocking expression. "His Majesty asked him what qi was and what use it had. He said qi was the Dao, and cultivating qi was cultivating the Dao. He claimed that victory or defeat in war, the strength or weakness of the army, and the courage or cowardice of generals were all directly related to the qi cultivated by the sovereign. If His Majesty cultivated a body of firm qi, then government orders would reach everywhere, barbarians would submit, and the realm would be at peace... Utterly absurd!"

By this point, Hu Quan was growing angry. But the others at the table seemed to treat the 'qi' spoken of by this famous Daoist scholar with some caution, as if some actually believed it, which only made Hu Bangheng completely furious.

He slammed his chopsticks onto the table and spoke sternly, startling the entire tavern: "So absurd, and yet even Liu Ziyu thinks this so-called qi is useful... If you ask me, if His Majesty's side is filled with such useless men who urge him to cultivate qi, and His Majesty actually goes and cultivates some qi, then forget about recovering the Two Rivers—Dongjing will be lost a second time!"

These words finally startled the two in the corner into looking up. But after a moment, led by the older man, they lowered their heads again and slowly resumed eating.

"Truly absurd." Even the youngest, Yu Yunwen, flushed. "The courage or cowardice of generals depends on whether His Majesty rewards and punishes properly. The strength or weakness of the army depends on whether weapons, provisions, and funds are sufficient, and whether the soldiers are properly trained. As for victory or defeat in war, it depends on observing Heaven's will while doing one's utmost in human affairs... If they really have the skill to cultivate qi, they'd be better off helping dredge the Bianhe River on the embankment! No wonder Grand Coordinator Hu, despite serving His Majesty for so long, is universally acknowledged as ignorant of military affairs. With a father like that raising him from childhood, it would be strange if he did understand war!"

"I've made up my mind." Seeing that everyone except Yu Yunwen still looked hesitant, Hu Quan suddenly stood up and looked around solemnly. "In three days, at the palace examination before His Majesty, I will risk my entire future to speak my mind and set the record straight!"

The people around were stunned, but no one dared to dissuade him.

"I will too..." Yu Yunwen, perhaps having had a few drinks and being very young, couldn't help but respond with excitement.

"You don't have to." Hu Quan said seriously. "Yunwen, I consider myself a good judge of character. I've long seen that although you're young, you have great depth within you. I'm not like that—most of my ability lies in my writing and my mouth... If I can become a Censor-in-Chief in this life, you have the makings of a councilor. So in three days, I'll act on my own. You should cultivate yourself, focus on your official career, and wait for the future... Remember, the nation is in peril. His Majesty's thoughts are tied to the millions of common people. Since we both harbor the desire to save the world, how can we let the positions at His Majesty's side be taken by such pedantic, nation-harming men?"

After these words, none of the students at the table dared remain neutral. They all stood up to express their support and comfort. Even the pair in the corner, who looked like father and son, finally looked up in shock and remained frozen for a long time.

And so, a group of overly energetic Imperial Academy students spent half a day over a meal before finally dispersing, off to who knows where to indulge themselves. Only then did the father-and-son pair in the corner, who had finally managed to finish their meal, speak for the first time.

The younger one, Hu Hong—Hu Yin's cousin and adopted brother—said cautiously: "Father, how about we go to the Bianhe River embankment and hire a woman to cook for us?"

The older one, naturally Hu Anguo—Hu Yin's adoptive father and biological uncle, and the so-called 'pedantic, nation-harming man' who had urged His Majesty to cultivate qi—shook his head repeatedly: "The nation is in difficulty, and the workers on the river are suffering too... This time, His Majesty didn't believe in my teachings, and several councilors also called my teachings absurd. I originally wanted to return home to teach, but since the autumn war situation is unclear, I couldn't bear to abandon my sovereign. That's why I stayed and accepted a post at the Academy. At a time like this, we father and son are as weak as chickens and cannot help the nation. We can make do with whatever is simple. Why waste more manpower?"

Hu Hong wanted to say something but stopped, only bowing his head in resignation.

PS: First of all, I want to thank the 70th Alliance Leader. Regardless, I must first thank this kind of support, which represents the greatest encouragement for both the author and the readers. Tiger-Skin Vajra Gourd Lad is also an old book friend... I bow in thanks.

Next, today is Uncle Bear's thirtieth birthday... I originally didn't want to wish him a happy birthday, because he's already a man with a family, a wife, even children of both sexes, and a Ghost Bear (if I remember correctly). Meanwhile, I'm the same age as him, but I'm just a socially anxious single dog renting a place to live... I can't help but feel sour.

But after being sour in the middle of the night, I still have to wish him a happy birthday, and then go grab a bottle of cheap soda to comfort myself.

Finally, I wish all book friends a fulfilling life... Good night.