[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-212":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Shao Song",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1558378,2024,"Chapter 212: A Small Problem","shao-song-chapter-212",212,"\u003Cp>Zhang Rong returned victorious, and the Song court was greatly invigorated for a time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no helping it—the sense of security brought by natural defenses was incomparable to anything else, especially for the common people and bureaucrats who knew nothing of military affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to be honest, sometimes you really couldn't blame them for being ignorant or blindly following; it was mainly that the Great Song army had never been reliable. Compared to the army, they would rather trust a river or a pass. As for why the army was unreliable, that was hard to say... Some things were difficult to clarify as to cause and effect. Heaven knows whether it was things like the repeated course changes of the Yellow River that led to the army's weak combat effectiveness, or the army's weak combat effectiveness that led to the repeated course changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, no matter what, the highest level should always have a final principle in mind: the strength of mountains and rivers lies in virtue, not in natural defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, what this \"virtue\" referred to probably still had differences of opinion... Or rather, if there were truly unity from top to bottom and harmony between left and right, the Great Song dynasty would have long since colonized all the way to the Lion Country. How could it have failed to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun over a hundred years after its founding, instead sinking to the point of being momentarily excited over control of a middle section of the great river before the capital?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back to the present, regardless of what this \"virtue\" referred to, and regardless of what consequences this attack might bring, Zhao Jiu, as the Emperor, along with several reliable chief ministers and important officials in the court, generally did not stop this excitement within the court and among the people, because the common people truly needed this sense of security to comfort themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this sense of security could bring in real gold and silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were still about ten days until the New Year, and after the New Year it would be the fourth year of the Jianyan era. This meant that the Jingkang Incident was about to usher in its glorious third anniversary... This wasn't to say that such a wretched affair was worth celebrating annually, but rather that after enduring for so long, the complex human heart was both weary of war—what people called a desire for stability—and yet also accustomed to war, accustomed to turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, although the Yellow River front was still fraught with tension, and although backward areas in southern Jingxiang and northern Guangnan were still occupied by large numbers of openly rebellious rebel armies (this was the most direct internal wound caused by the Jingkang Incident, which simply couldn't be dealt with in a short time), the economies of various regions were gradually recovering. The symptoms of massive blood loss triggered by the Jingkang Incident were also clearly healing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most obvious sign was that refugees moving south were gradually integrating into local communities, merchants and travelers were becoming active again in various places, and tax revenues across the regions south of the Huai River were broadly recovering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, the recapture of a strategic dividing line like the Yellow River (at least it could be propagandized as such) was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the recovery of industry, commerce, and agricultural production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief ministers certainly didn't know what a \"shot in the arm\" was, but they understood the general idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, faced with such a clean and decisive victory, and with the so-called happy anticipation of recovery in agriculture, industry, and commerce, the court first fell into an end-of-year financial crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason, of course, was not that they had spent too much money in a rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, everyone could more or less guess... It was that distant water couldn't quench a present thirst. The strategic significance of this battle was beyond doubt, but what about rewards and honors?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, due to the special position of Liangshan Marsh before, when the court was organizing the Imperial Camp system and increasing taxes in the southeast and Jingxiang, from beginning to end there was no provision for an Imperial Camp Navy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that such a great victory had been achieved, whether it was normal rewards or urgently incorporating this army and stabilizing it on the Yellow River, setting aside food for the moment, where would the money and silk come from?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if this force wasn't quickly reorganized and brought into the court's fiscal system, even the people of Dongjing City would be unhappy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can we print some jiaozi?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was an experienced official. That day at the Wende Hall council, when this shortfall was just brought up, Xu Jingheng, Lord Xu, came prepared and directly proposed a feasible plan. \"Following the example of the former Yizhou Jiaozi Bureau, establish a Jiaozi Bureau in Dongjing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiaozi were paper money, and Song dynasty jiaozi were the earliest widely used paper money in the world, very successful, a model that had made it into history books. Zhao Jiu, sitting on the throne, naturally knew this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Emperor first instinctively nodded upon hearing this, but after a moment's thought, he slowly shook his head:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When Zhao Kai was reforming the finances in the southwest in Shu, I specifically inquired about the matter of jiaozi in Yizhou, so I know that issuing jiaozi first requires reserve funds, and second requires credit backing. Back then, the Yizhou Jiaozi Bureau used 360,000 strings of cash as reserve funds and issued one million strings of jiaozi. Moreover, that was a time of peace, with a stable court and peaceful hearts, and more than ten wealthy Shu merchants jointly provided credit, which is why it succeeded. Now here in Dongjing, since we lack money and are on the front lines, where would we get reserve funds? And where would we find peaceful hearts? How much could we issue? If we ruin the credit of the court's jiaozi for the sake of a few hundred thousand or a million strings of cash, it would be a loss that outweighs the gain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A little is better than nothing.\" Xu Jingheng had clearly considered this problem as well. \"The pay for the Imperial Camp Central Army around Dongjing and the salaries of court officials are all currently stored in the Ministry of Revenue's treasury east of Dongjing City. Why not use this money as reserve funds and first issue a few hundred thousand strings of jiaozi?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a short while, Wang Yuan, the Imperial Camp Commander-in-Chief, also had no choice but to steel himself and ask for guidance: \"Lord Xu, if I may be so bold, even so, time is short, and there's no time to print the jiaozi, is there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What I mean is, divide the Imperial Camp Central Army's pay and the officials' salaries into three parts. First, take two parts and give them respectively to the Imperial Camp Navy as rewards and pay, and to the Imperial Camp Central Army and officials as normal supplies, so we can get through this New Year,\" Xu Jingheng said on the grand hall, in the highest-level meeting, too lazy to mince words. \"Then use the remaining one part as reserve funds to issue jiaozi, trying to free up a few hundred thousand strings of liquid cash to bridge the gap until subsequent tax revenues arrive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall grew even quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, when Xu Jingheng said to use this money to issue jiaozi, the atmosphere among those present had already turned somewhat off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone knew the problem wasn't how to use these little tricks to achieve fiscal smoothness, but that since there was a fiscal hole, and since they had to use the Imperial Camp Central Army's and officials' money to issue jiaozi, it was inevitable that some people would have to receive jiaozi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at present, the Imperial Camp Navy, having just rendered great service and being the object of the court's efforts to win over, couldn't very well have these jiaozi foisted on them. So this matter had a predetermined outcome... Whether it was three in the morning and four in the evening, or four in the morning and three in the evening, whether they had a good New Year first or a good Lantern Festival later, in any case, it would have to be the Imperial Camp Central Army and the central officials who received these jiaozi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, jiaozi were, after all, jiaozi, not real money. Even with so-called credit and precedents, in this day and age, they were inevitably subject to a discount when exchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this was a special wartime situation. If the front line took a turn for the worse, the foundation could collapse, leading to a credit crisis and the embarrassing situation where jiaozi turned into worthless paper—that wasn't impossible either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a word, this was cutting the flesh of the Imperial Camp Central Army and the central bureaucracy to fill this hole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was the fundamental reason why Wang Yuan, as a semi-figurehead high official, still steeled himself to speak up and discuss with the chief ministers. Nominally, he was the Imperial Camp Commander-in-Chief, but in reality, his core power was the logistics of the Imperial Camp Central Army units stationed near Dongjing under the direct control of the Zhao Emperor, specifically the logistics of the two major forces of Wang De and Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it came to his last core power and his political life, how could he not be anxious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, what use was anxiety?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During the previous reorganization, the various units of the Imperial Camp Central Army were heavily downsized, and there were already complaints of dissatisfaction.\" In the silence, Wang Yuan first said something inexplicable, then struggled to ask further. \"What proportion of jiaozi will the Imperial Camp Central Army and the central officials each receive?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They will share it fairly according to the usual proportion.\" Xu Jingheng answered bluntly, leaving no room for argument. \"Not just the central authorities here; officials in the Henan region will also have to receive some jiaozi... If they're dissatisfied, so be it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yuan fell completely silent, and even Qu Duan, who had been on the verge of speaking several times, ultimately said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it wasn't just Qu Duan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You see, when the court discussed military and political affairs, although only a few chief ministers and some relevant important officials from the Secretariat, the Privy Council, the Hanlin Academy, and the Censorate were present—for example, only the Censor-in-Chief and two Palace Censors from the Censorate were qualified to attend—there were still twenty or thirty people in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet these people all remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wanted to speak, of course they all had something to say, but no matter how much they said, could they conjure up real gold and silver in the vicinity of Dongjing City in a short time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, in this kind of small imperial council, it was nothing more than the Emperor, the Secretariat, and the Privy Council, with the Censorate chiming in on the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at present, with Lord Xu having spoken and Lord Lu remaining silent, that counted as the Secretariat's decision. On the Privy Council side, Lords Wang and Chen, having seen Wang Yuan come forward to inquire and ultimately be silenced by Lord Xu, seemed to have given up on the discussion and were prepared to accept their fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a time like this, in terms of position, even if someone wanted to stir up trouble, they would have to wait for the Emperor to express his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much is the shortfall exactly?\" Zhao Jiu on the throne pondered for a long time before finally speaking, but he seemed reluctant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we had 300,000 strings, we could get through comfortably.\" Xu Jingheng continued to answer calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"300,000 strings...\" Zhao Jiu hesitated for a long time. \"Can't we find a way to raise some? Even goods in kind would do. Jiaozi would definitely shake military morale.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as these words were spoken, before Xu Jingheng could reply and before many of the officials below had even processed the thought, Li Guang, the Censor-in-Chief, stepped forward sternly and refuted him to his face: \"Your Majesty's words are greatly mistaken! The state is in turmoil; we have exhausted every effort to support the 200,000 Imperial Camp troops, and the people's livelihoods are already unbearable. How can we drain the pond to catch all the fish?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu's expression did not change; he simply prepared to endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Li Guang, disregarding everything, seeing that the Zhao Emperor did not intend to answer, only became more vehement in his words:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does Your Majesty think that supporting these troops only requires the smooth delivery of money and grain? Little do you know that military affairs are complex and involve heavy burdens, and they also heavily deplete the people's strength. I have examined memorials from various regions and the orders of the Privy Council and the Secretariat, and the records are clear... For example, at the camps of Han Shizhong, Zhang Jun, and Yue Fei, when they wanted to manufacture weapons, the court would search for craftsmen from all over and order iron mines to step up production. The result was that the more iron was mined, the more the people in various places lacked iron. After conscripting the craftsmen, the people couldn't even find someone to mend a pot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then these three camps, in the autumn, under the pretext of autumn defense, demanded that various regions supply cowhide and ox sinew for military materials. For this one matter, a total of six or seven thousand cowhides were sent from various places. And because Your Majesty and the Secretariat had issued strict orders, some prefectures and counties, to ensure the delivery of military materials without error, actually privately forced the people to slaughter cattle...\" The more Zhao Jiu remained silent, the more Li Guang kept going. \"Then there is the movement and stationing of large armies. Not to mention the lax discipline in various places and the abuse of the people, even Yue Fei's Imperial Camp Forward Army, which had slightly better discipline, how could it truly not disturb the people? When a large army marches, doesn't it need livestock? Even the Liangshan Marsh navy, when it moved to the Yellow River, required tens of thousands of people to dig ditches and break bridges. When a large army is stationed, doesn't it occupy the people's land? Items like fodder may not cost much on paper, but when concentrated in one place, how can it be supplied? It's still the people who have to provide it themselves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu still did not speak, and his expression remained blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Li Guang, who had finished his outburst, finally calmed down a little... and then secretly felt regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, after Li Gang was dismissed as chief minister, Li Guang, as the natural leader of this faction and having become Censor-in-Chief, could never control his temper. If in the past Li Gang was habitually condescending, looking down on the Zhao Emperor like a child, then now Li Guang always couldn't help but 'stand his ground' before the Emperor from below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, Li Jing, Li Gang's third younger brother, young as he was, had learned the same bad temper from these two, often getting impassioned and vehement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say, no wonder these people were close friends, were brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, unlike Li Gang back then, whom no one dared to advise, Li Guang was different. When his stubborn temper flared up, facing His Majesty in court, the assembled civil and military officials might not dare to meddle. But in private, there were still quite a few people who would offer some remonstrance. And Li Guang, Li Taifa himself, was also somewhat different from Li Gang, Li Boji. He himself was willing to listen to advice and was aware of this problem's existence, knowing that His Majesty's authority was now established, and that forcing the issue like a bully would bring no benefit... But such was his nature; as soon as he entered the court, with civil and military officials all around and His Majesty before him, he simply couldn't hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief moment of self-reproach, Li Guang barely suppressed that tone and continued earnestly. \"Your subject is not making accusations. In the current situation, supporting the army must indeed take priority. The previous Imperial Encampment organization and the current maintenance of the navy—I have wholeheartedly supported all of it. Your subject only wishes to remind Your Majesty that the affairs of the world are not so simple, and one cannot only look at the surface. After the Jingkang Incident, the wars of last year and the year before, and now having to support troops everywhere, the people's strength in Henan has long been exhausted. At this moment, three hundred thousand strings of cash—it's not a huge amount, just a temporary shortage of liquidity. After the spring plowing, when money and grain arrive from the south, things will get by. But it's also not a small amount. If we forcibly extract it from Henan, I fear the common people will suffer unbearably, and then it will be unsustainable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, a stir finally began in the hall. Clearly, some wanted to express agreement, some wanted to express opposition, and the Chief Minister Lü Haowen, who had remained silent all along, was also preparing to speak at the right moment to ease the atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister Li speaks very truly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just then, Zhao Jiu, seated upright on the imperial throne, finally spoke, but it was somewhat unexpected to some in the hall. \"Regarding supporting the army, I was still a bit naive. But the overall situation is what it is; I can only urge everyone to bear with it for the sake of the nation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naive, a term from the *Zhuangzi*, is generally a good word. But when the Zhao Emperor used it here, although it had a tone of covering up, it also showed a tendency to admit fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, not only Li Guang was slightly startled, but even the hall, which had been in an uproar, suddenly fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On this matter, I have a few words,\" Zhao Jiu continued slowly. \"First, Zhang Rong and his troops have great merit. It is absolutely impossible to only give them a banner as a reward. This three hundred thousand strings must be given, and it must be given quickly, urgently, and in full, without any delay or shortfall. Otherwise, never mind the court's credibility; if it leads to a mutiny, no one can be blamed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been discussed before, so there was no comment in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, the Imperial Encampment Central Army had no battle achievements this time. It would be inappropriate to arbitrarily change their military pay, and even less should we think of borrowing from the other regional command headquarters. Otherwise, the little credibility the court has painstakingly built up in the military will still be compromised.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the hall suddenly became chaotic, because listening to the Zhao Emperor's meaning, it seemed he wanted to fully pay the soldiers' wages, but have all the court officials and clerks take their pay in paper notes?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, as civil officials, as ministers of the state, they should share the nation's burdens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was that the officials in Dongjingcheng and the Henan region were not just the high-ranking ones in this hall; there were also many low-ranking clerks. If this three hundred thousand strings, even in paper notes, were all shifted onto them, wouldn't some of them be literally drinking the northwest wind in the middle of winter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, even the people in this hall had some who were genuinely poor, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could this be tolerated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third,\" Zhao Jiu, speaking before anyone else could, continued in a loud voice. \"All you ministers, not to mention those who have drifted and wandered with the court in exile, even those who have taken up regular posts have experienced several wars. You are undoubtedly loyal and devoted ministers, yet you have only been receiving half salaries... Now the state is only temporarily in difficulty, not at the end of its rope like before. If I were to make you fill this hole again, I would truly have no conscience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the hall surged and ebbed like the tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fourth, as Censor-in-Chief Li has admonished, the people are exhausted, the people's strength is depleted... I was already deeply troubled by the last tax increase. How can I snatch food from the mouths of the people again this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, the reactions in the hall varied. Some were clearly puzzled, while others couldn't help sneering inwardly... The Emperor spoke so beautifully, but in the end, wasn't he still going to use Chancellor Xu's method of borrowing first, then issuing paper notes, and then having everyone share the notes equally?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all that circling around, aside from saying a bunch of nice words to make himself seem both concerned for the state and compassionate towards the people, it was ultimately of no use at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chancellor Wang, compile Censor-in-Chief Li's memorial from today and send it to all the regional commanders. Chancellor Lü, Chancellor Xu, you two organize the matter of the paper notes and make preparations, but do not issue them until the last moment. Let us stop here for today. I will go and try my best to think of a way.\" Zhao Jiu continued, and as soon as he finished speaking, without pausing for a moment, he turned and went straight down from the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say, just as everyone had thought, with the real difficulty of hard cash staring them in the face, the Zhao Emperor had finally had to approve the matter of the paper notes, merely adding a bit of a reminder to the commanders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Emperor's final hurried departure also seemed somewhat like an escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing more to say on the spot. People called out to each other, formed groups, and dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, although this difficulty for the court was a headache, it was only a minor ailment, a kind of happy trouble following a great victory. It was not only insignificant to the overall situation, but even to the finances, it was only a temporary difficulty. And now, with the year's end approaching, Dongjingcheng had also been opened following the great victory. While slowly repairing bridges and filling ditches, it was gradually becoming lively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing could stop the New Year from coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today's events would likely just be a topic of conversation at the New Year's dinner table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the others aside, let us speak only of the Palace Censor Moqi Xie. After leaving the morning court, he first returned home, sat behind closed doors for half a day, and only near evening did he greet his wife, who had recently arrived in the capital. Then he sent a regular attendant to deliver a letter to the residence of 'his very dear elder' Wang Shuzhan, Wang Fujun, saying he wished to meet Wang Shuzhan's in-law, the Imperial Uncle Zhao, that day. After that, he mounted a donkey alone and went out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this fellow, upon leaving the gate, actually went first to find Qu Duan, the Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Encampment, who was alone in Dongjingcheng. Seeing Qu Duan agree on the spot, and mounting his now famous-in-East-Asia iron elephant steed, the two of them, one in front and the other behind, then went to the residence of 'his very dear elder' Wang Shuzhan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan's family was a great clan from Shezhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the situation in Dongjing stabilized, on the one hand, fleeing officials from the north and officials from poor backgrounds were destitute; on the other hand, the wealth of officials from wealthy families in the south, especially those from south of the Huaihe River, had not diminished in the slightest... And Moqi Xie, being a favorite before the Emperor and having recently attained the pure and prestigious post of Palace Censor, was absolutely unwilling to engage in casual corruption. So, wanting to freeload and enjoy life, he often came here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Qu Duan... after passing the imperial examination, he rarely spoke out to cause trouble in court. Many mistakenly thought he had changed his nature, and having gained imperial favor, he was often deliberately courted. However, this fellow, away from the Emperor's presence, still had a foul mouth and was incorrigible, making things difficult for others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, at Wang Shuzhan's place, he had long since been directly insulted several times, saying that Wang Shuzhan was solely focused on personal gain, treating being an official merely as a job, and that his son, Wang Ruohai, only used his \"Petition to Establish a Descendant of the Zhao Clan\" from the Jingkang era as a stepping stone, having no other achievements. And that even that petition was probably a forged document secretly copied from Qin Gui, Ma Shen, and Zhang Shuye after the fact...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several such incidents, even someone like Wang Shuzhan dared not provoke this man anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And during the New Year, what was Moqi Yuanzhong thinking today, specifically summoning this Qu Da, who was both civil and military?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, upon entering the gate, the Wang father and son, as well as the specially invited Wang family's in-law and host, the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan Zhao Shi and his son, were all quite happy to see Moqi Xie. But when they saw Qu Da, their expressions changed. Unfortunately, both families cared about face and couldn't very well drive someone away during the New Year, so they had to grit their teeth and start the banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the people at the Wang residence, only Hu Hongxiu, who was essentially living with his father-in-law, remained calm... This was because Qu Duan at most called him an armchair strategist, nothing so damning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone sat down. The Grand Master of the Imperial Clan and the old master Wang sat at the head, one on the left and one on the right. Moqi Xie and Qu Duan sat to their left. Zhao Bufan, Wang Ruohai, and Hu Hongxiu, three sworn brothers by marriage, sat to their right. The seat directly below was empty... It was a standard intimate family banquet, but the atmosphere was exceptionally strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, fortunately, there was Moqi Xie. This Palace Censor spoke casually and was adept at pleasing everyone. First, he raised a toast to celebrate the court's victory, then wished the two elders present a happy birthday, discussed the future situation, and talked about the future prospects of the younger generation. He finally managed to gradually liven up the banquet atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three rounds of wine and having saved the situation three or five times, Moqi Yuanzhong suddenly gave a rough account of the minor issues from that day's small court session, causing Zhao and Wang, these old politicians of high status but no right to participate, to listen intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Majesty has it hard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Moqi Xie finished speaking, he set the tone himself. \"If today's discussion were to spread, those who don't know might say that His Majesty only spoke fine words, was of no use at all, and ultimately left others to fill the deficit. But how could you and I not know? His Majesty lives frugally like this, has not diverted a single extra coin or grain to Yanfu Palace, has abolished all local tributes, and even the dignity of the two Imperial Consorts relies entirely on support from their families... If we're talking about filling deficits, His Majesty has already made himself destitute first to do so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, before Zhao, Wang, Hu, and the others could sigh, Qu Duan frowned again: \"Yuanzhong, I understand your grievance for His Majesty, but how can discussions from the court be brought here? How many of these people are qualified to participate in matters of state and military? If word gets out and causes trouble over the paper notes, wouldn't it be our fault?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside the young men, the Imperial Uncle Zhao and Wang Shuzhan, this pair of highly respected in-laws, were momentarily flushed red, yet found it truly difficult to refute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qu Da, that is you judging a gentleman's heart with your own mean measure.\" Others feared Qu Duan, but how could Moqi Xie? He immediately put on a stern face and retorted. \"Here we have the Imperial Uncle Zhao, a meritorious statesman and a high minister of the imperial clan, who should know the ins and outs. And someone like Uncle Wang, a moral paragon, would think of the nation even if he knew. How could he spread it privately?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can know a person's face but not their heart. Perhaps someone, knowing that paper notes are to be issued, will take the opportunity to hoard money and lend at usury, enriching themselves at the expense of others?\" Qu Duan blurted out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with just that one remark, he lowered his head to drink and eat, saying no more, leaving many at the table wanting to flare up but unsure whether they should.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming back to his senses, it was still Zhao Shi, the Imperial Uncle Zhao, who was highly respected and more tolerant. He stroked his beard and smiled bitterly, stating on the spot: \"I know that His Majesty lives frugally, even being somewhat harsh on himself. But in my opinion, this matter of three hundred thousand strings of cash is ultimately a minor detail, irrelevant to the overall positive trend... And His Majesty is divinely talented and heroic, always having his own decisive judgment. I imagine he doesn't need an old minister like me to meddle... During the New Year, let us just enjoy ourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan nodded slightly, ready to raise his cup in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then, Qu Duan looked up again and said coldly: \"As a member of the imperial clan, every hair on your body is provided by the people's tribute. Even if His Majesty doesn't need you, don't you think of repaying the nation? The ruler is still toiling for the state, working late into the night. The soldiers fighting on the front lines are even having their pay covered by paper notes. Yet you, a member of the imperial clan, are here feasting on the people's fat and marrow! As Du Gongbu said, 'Behind the red doors, wine and meat go to waste; on the road, there are bones of the frozen dead.' That describes you! And you speak as if you've been wronged. You have grievances? Then what about His Majesty? What about those of us who have risked life and limb for the nation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only the people at the table, but even the attending servants were stunned, standing there with hot towels in their hands. As for the Imperial Uncle Zhao, from the words 'people's fat and marrow' onwards, he felt his chest pounding wildly and his throat tightening. He wanted to curse but didn't know what words to use, wanted to refute but couldn't find a starting point, so much so that he was flushed red with suppressed anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, when the father is insulted, the son should die. On the other side, Zhao Bufan, the eldest son of the Imperial Uncle Zhao, seeing his father humiliated, was the first to react. He stood up angrily, pointing his finger, ready to shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Qu Duan was still unafraid. Without waiting for the other to speak, he just glared back at the young imperial clansman who had stood up: \"You again, putting on airs?! Let me tell you, it's lucky you don't have a weapon in your hand, or you'd be a dead man by now... I could have just flipped this table, knocked you down, walked over to the candlestick by your side, and thrust it into your throat, making your father suffer the grief of a white-haired person sending off a black-haired one... Who gave you, a useless imperial clansman who only knows how to drink and eat meat, the guts to act tough in front of a battle-hardened general like me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Bufan wanted to respond again, but Wang Shuzhan had already called his son Wang Ruohai and his son-in-law Hu Hongxiu to step forward and restrain him, along with a few servants, and they managed to drag the eldest son-in-law out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhao Bufan dragged out, Wang Shuzhan turned back to soothe the Imperial Uncle Zhao for a few words, then shooed away the remaining two maidservants. Finally, he turned his head to look at Moqi Xie, who had been silent for a long time, just lowering his head to gnaw on a chicken claw. His tone carried a hint of reproach: \"Yuanzhong, what exactly are you scheming tonight... We are as close as uncle and nephew, why not speak frankly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie heard this, put down the chicken claw, calmly took the hot towel the servant had just placed on the table, wiped his hands and mouth, and then chuckled: \"You know me well, Uncle Wang! Uncle Wang, ever since that alchemist incident ruined your prospects, you've been stuck in a sinecure. Have you ever thought of regaining imperial favor and seeking a proper future to serve the nation? And you, Imperial Uncle Zhao, after hearing Qu Da's words today, have you ever thought of doing your utmost for the nation in these chaotic times, so as not to be a laughingstock as a useless good-for-nothing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you have a plan?\" Wang Shuzhan was momentarily tempted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Qu Duan didn't even spare Moqi Xie: \"I knew you had some ill intent when you invited me today... Others say you are a loyal and cautious man, but I know you are a petty villain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What of an evil heart, what of a petty man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie sneered inwardly, but his face was stern: \"Qu Duan, this is for the sake of the nation's troubles!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Duan snorted in disdain, too lazy to argue with the man, but the old Imperial Uncle, upon hearing these words, slightly straightened his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie paid it no mind, and slowly spoke a few words: \"In truth, today when His Majesty heard the figure of three hundred thousand strings in the hall, he asked if it could be raised... At the time, Censor-in-Chief Li only thought His Majesty wanted to add more miscellaneous taxes, so he urgently remonstrated. But I have long attended the imperial presence and know that His Majesty's intention was absolutely not to levy taxes on the common people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Duan, though excessively hot-tempered, was after all 'skilled in both civil and martial arts,' so his heart stirred slightly: \"You mean His Majesty wants to seek funds from the great households and wealthy clans... But if so, why did he never mention it in the hall?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why else? Of course, because His Majesty knew clearly that these people would never willingly be 'raised' from, and was unwilling to speak openly! Without visible profit, who would willingly be raised from for no reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless the Zhao Emperor left a signed pledge and borrowed it specifically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie's heart grew colder with sneers, and his face grew sterner: \"That is because during the Jingkang Incident, the court scraped the city clean to raise reparations. His Majesty does not wish the scholars and commoners to panic over this...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan's heart was also stirred, but he hesitated to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, His Majesty is far too cautious and careful!\" Moqi Xie continued sternly. \"What was the amount back then? Five million taels of gold, fifty million taels of silver. Today it is merely three hundred thousand strings. Moreover, back then the nation was impoverished and defeated, it was ransom money to save the nation from extinction. Now it is merely a temporary tightness. In my opinion, among the wealthy households and rich families who have returned north in the city, there are already forty or fifty well-known moneybags. Add to that some officials with registered residences south of the Huai River who are well-off. If these people pool together, how could they not come up with three hundred thousand strings? Not to mention, those wealthy households and rich families who dare to spend the New Year in the capital, which one is not loyal and devoted, single-mindedly serving the nation? Who would be unwilling to put out a few thousand strings of cash? Uncle Wang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am naturally willing!\" Wang Shuzhan, who had never sat down, blurted out. \"At the Mid-Autumn Festival, I had my family bring ten thousand strings from Huainan specifically for expenses. Later, the military took over and sealed the city, so it remained untouched... It is just right to offer it to His Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly foolish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie's contempt for this nominal uncle grew even greater, but his face still clapped in praise: \"Uncle's grand gesture can truly be called sharing the nation's worries. But in my view, there are still some shortcomings...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan was slightly startled, then leaned in to listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, whether offering or lending, it cannot be done publicly as an offering or a loan. It must be done privately, or at least disguised as a private loan or offering. Otherwise, it will embarrass impoverished colleagues and also put His Majesty in an awkward position,\" Moqi Xie said solemnly. By now, even Qu Duan and the Zhao Imperial Uncle were leaning in to listen. \"Second, the court is only temporarily short of funds, not truly in need of contributions. My nephew's meaning is, if you can lend, then lend. Only if absolutely necessary should you offer it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan was momentarily puzzled: \"Why is lending preferable to offering?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because people like Uncle, who are sincerely patriotic and devoted to the sovereign, are truly rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. The human heart is selfish. Who would willingly throw their money away like water?\" Moqi Xie smiled in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan was thoroughly convinced. He leaned forward across the table: \"Worthy nephew means, rather than offering ten or twenty thousand strings, it would be better to act as an intermediary, guarantee seven or eight large households for His Majesty, and arrange a loan of eighty or a hundred thousand strings, which would better relieve His Majesty's worries?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the Zhao Imperial Uncle also seemed to understand, and even Qu Duan cast a glance at the former Grand Master of Ceremonies and the Zhao Imperial Uncle beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But it's still not right.\" Amidst his excitement, Wang Shuzhan sensed something off. \"The key is, how do we bring this up with His Majesty? No matter what, a subject should not speak of 'lending' to His Majesty, should he?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Uncle can lend!\" Moqi Xie said without changing expression, merely pointing a finger towards the other's side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan finally understood. He immediately slumped back into his seat, but couldn't help clapping his hands in excitement: \"No wonder my worthy nephew told me to invite my in-law! This business can be done!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder Censor Moqi summoned me here,\" Qu Duan finally sneered. \"He was afraid the Zhao Imperial Uncle would be tactless, so he used me to intimidate people?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie smiled without speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhao Imperial Uncle, Zhao Shi, also stroked his beard and sighed: \"Even if it's just because you all regard me as a useless parasite on the nation, I am willing to do my utmost for the country.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie finally laid out his entire plan: \"If so, according to my plan, Uncle should set out tomorrow. Go personally to the surrounding great households and wealthy clans you are familiar with and have connections to. Only say that you are short of money and wish to borrow from others. Borrow as much as you can. Just a hundred thousand or so will be enough to make His Majesty look upon you with new eyes. And if anyone has doubts, or if there are those with keen insight, why not invite them over? Let them meet with me, with the Zhao Imperial Uncle, and with Commander Qu, just like tonight, and drink a cup of wine face to face?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan did not reply. He simply raised his cup and drained it, then called out repeatedly for the servants to bring fine wine and food. He even had his son-in-law come in to apologize to Qu Duan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night's feast was joyful, and everyone dispersed happily, which we will not detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, there was no court assembly. At this time, there was no longer the old custom of 'a routine memorial.' There was also no summons from the palace. As a Censor, Moqi Xie rose unhurriedly and went to find the idle man Qu Duan. One rode an iron elephant, the other a donkey, and they headed to the Wang residence, ready to take command. They were determined to earn a great merit and display their ability before His Majesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving at the Wang residence, Wang Shuzhan was indeed impatient. He had already gone out early to borrow money. The Zhao Imperial Uncle also arrived as promised to take command. Moqi Xie grew even more smug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after waiting only an hour, before noon arrived, the former Grand Master of Ceremonies returned hastily. His face was pale, his expression panicked, causing the three sitting upright in the hall to all be startled and suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the three could speak, Wang Shuzhan tremblingly took out two sheets of paper from his bosom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie snatched them away and looked at them in the hall. He only let out a long sigh and slapped the paper onto the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhao Imperial Uncle and Qu Duan hurriedly looked together, and each was speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out these were two loan receipts for five thousand strings each. The wording at the front was identical, the signatures and seals were identical... They clearly bore the four characters 'Zhao Jiu of Cangzhou,' and were stamped with a familiar large seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Duan, with his sharp eyes, even recognized at a glance that the standard script at the front was in the style of Academician Lin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The two households of Lord Father-in-Law Wu and Lord Father-in-Law Pan gathered wealthy merchants and rich families last night, holding a banquet to sell these items. Five thousand strings per sheet, a limit of fifty sheets each, fair prices for young and old, original price sale. Each household limited to two sheets, with a six-month term and three percent interest... It is said His Majesty gave an oral decree that this is not a loan from him, but a national debt guaranteed by him personally. But if one doesn't understand, it's fine to treat it as an imperial bond.\" Wang Shuzhan looked as if he wanted to cry but had no tears. \"I saw two sheets at the Mei Hua Han family. I didn't bother to come back and tell you, but went straight to the Pan residence. He was unwilling to sell to me. I pleaded hard and finally begged for one sheet. Then I went to the Wu residence and begged for another... Worthy nephew, your plan was truly divine, you fathomed His Majesty's interests. But you shouldn't have been half a day late!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moqi Xie was momentarily embarrassed, and for once blurted out: \"I truly did not know. With the situation so favorable now, just a small problem, yet His Majesty is still so ruthless?! It is truly frightening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Duan, now calm, couldn't help but hold up one of the loan receipts and mock on the spot: \"His Majesty would rather stake his own face and sign his name directly to seek a loan, rather than use your two families. The two families of imperial relatives held a banquet together, and no one invited you. This shows exactly what you are in His Majesty's eyes, and in the eyes of the Dongjing wealthy families... Grand Master of Ceremonies Wang, if you want to get your old post back, wait a few more years!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Shuzhan ground his teeth in rage. If he hadn't known he couldn't withstand two or three punches from the other, he would have wished to kill this 'skilled in both civil and martial arts' man on the spot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: The seventy-fourth patron, Black Ice Technology! An old big shot in the book club group. I hope I didn't misspell the name this time... Thanks to the big shot for the patronage.\u003C\u002Fp>",7499,"2026-06-06T07:46:04.529Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","fb5b79ff7c7affd5a6489fe82efcb0eba8d9786e00538003525ad1737fb573a8","shao-song-chapter-213","shao-song-chapter-211",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]