[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-302":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},1558468,2024,"Chapter 302: The Bright Moon","shao-song-chapter-302",302,"\u003Cp>Mid-Autumn Festival, the full moon was round as a copper coin, its edges white as ice shavings, with a slight variation in shade at the center, just like a lantern's glow shining through, stirring one's thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area around the Yue Platform was still shrouded in mist and smoke. Most of the city's residents had gone back, but many people from the villages outside the city kept coming and going. Moreover, the place was brightly lit, the moon was full and the roads clear, and monks and Daoists were still performing rites in turns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, inside the central army headquarters of the Yue Platform camp, the atmosphere was boiling hot, a world apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stirred by the four words \"the rich aid the poor,\" the Zhao Emperor had long since left the central army headquarters to gaze at the moon outside. The chief councilors and high-ranking officials of the Secret Pavilion remained there to \"discuss\" a so-called comprehensive plan with the nobles, monks, and wealthy merchants of the Outer Pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was called a discussion, the Outer Pavilion only had the \"right to advise\" but no \"right to veto.\" The two sides were not even on equal footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, among them, the merchants were naturally timid and seemed to have no right to speak; the Daoists, because the Zhao Song dynasty had many emperors who revered Daoism, had basically chosen the upper-class route, which meant that major Daoist temples, like the Wuyue Temple, Dongxiao Palace, and Mingdao Palace, were entirely imperial property and could not have any extra say; as for the nobles, the core imperial clan members had been exiled to Nanyang, and the rest were clearly led by the two Imperial Fathers-in-Law... In fact, this was also why Zhao Jiu had previously focused on dealing with the monks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monks of the Song dynasty were not only stronger than Daoists in religious expertise, but also better at reaching the lower classes. In financial operations, they seemed to be an era ahead of Daoists and landlords... Historically, the Shaolin Temple, Daxiangguo Temple, and Lingjiu Temple were all recognized as major players in the financial industry. The Southern Shaolin Temple, which hadn't come due to the distance, was simply a financial pioneer specializing in maritime trade credit at this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes, the reception hall monk was the lobby manager and counter operator, the Sutra Depository was responsible for accounting and auditing, the Arhat Hall handled security and armed escort, the Discipline Hall was personnel management, and the Dharma Hall was the board meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say that with such a small land area and a population of 120 million, aside from the productivity issues caused by the limitations of scientific and technological development, everything else that could be done had already been done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it was precisely because of this that Zhao Jiu had always been daunted by the core issues of internal governance. He always felt that he was just an ordinary college student with no experience, and with imperial power being so severe, if he meddled recklessly, the result would be that one word from the emperor could bankrupt thousands of families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he was also daunted by military affairs and personnel matters. That was just his nature—usually quite forbearing and tactful, easy to accept opinions, and willing to compromise. But once pushed to the limit, he would often resort to drastic actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a flaw in his character, but also an advantage, because for better or worse, he was who he was. Presumably, the chief councilors, ministers, and military commanders had all gotten used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chief councilors came out of the hall and walked to the military camp's open ground to see the Zhao Emperor. Seeing the emperor gazing at the moon in a daze under Yang Yizhong's guard, it was Lu Haowen who took the lead. This Duke Minister, whose family had been devout Buddhists for generations, was quite attentive to this matter, perhaps because it involved the Buddhist sect. \"A rough plan has been made...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu, who had been looking at the moon with his hands behind his back, turned around without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Overall, there's no major deviation from what was discussed before.\" Lu Haowen quickly stepped forward half a pace and gave a brief report. \"Retired soldiers of the Imperial Camp and families of the martyrs will be eligible for very low-interest Green Sprout loans; all major Buddhist temples in the Central Plains that have been placed under control will, like Daoist temples, require imperial approval for the succession of abbots, and the court can also directly appoint or dismiss them; the abbots and temple heads of various temples and monasteries, as well as the designated heads of major merchant houses and noble landlord families, must assume joint legal responsibility and accept court audits; abolish the right of temples and monasteries to purchase 'wasteland,' and abolish the old right of temples and monasteries to be exempt from the head tax (the poll tax; Song dynasty monks were exempt from the head tax but had to pay land tax and corvée service money)... With a one-year deadline, if things go smoothly, it will be extended southward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he listened, Zhao Jiu suddenly sighed: \"These people are probably muttering right now that I talk about the poor but am just using my troops to plunder them. They agree now only because they are the fish and I am the chopping block. In their hearts, they must be a thousand times unconvinced, and who knows when they will cause trouble for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not necessarily.\" Lu Haowen shook his head in response. \"Heaven is vast, earth is vast, but the imperial house is the greatest. For over a hundred years, Daoist temples across the land have almost become imperial family shrines. In the early Jianyan years, the court openly demanded that various Daoist temples contribute their surplus wealth to the government. So what is the Buddhist sect? If any monks are unconvinced, or relying on the power of the Buddhist sect in the south, try to bully the north and come to argue with the Central Plains temples, I, your minister, consider myself somewhat familiar with Buddhist traditions and will handle them for Your Majesty...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Buddhist sect is just a pretext.\" Zhao Jiu also shook his head repeatedly. \"The key is usury. Since ancient times, rent and interest have been the two main reasons why the poor cannot survive. The root of today's matter is also to restart the Green Sprout Law in the Central Plains through entities other than the government, to reduce interest rates and raise funds. It's not really aimed at the Buddhist sect... If anyone wants to argue, let them argue; if they're unconvinced, so be it. As long as they don't incite rebellion, I can't be bothered to deal with them, and Minister Lu had better not bother either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty need not bother, that's fine. But I have many familiar monks who are now in the south. If they truly come to find me, I really can't easily refuse...\" Lu Haowen smiled bitterly for a moment, then hesitated as if to say more. \"However, that's not the key point I want to make.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Minister Lu mean?\" Zhao Jiu frowned slightly upon hearing this. \"Do you still disagree with my using military academy students to supervise and audit the Green Sprout loans? I've already said there's no room for negotiation on this matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\" Lu Haowen spoke seriously under the moonlight. \"I have thought this over. What Your Majesty said is indeed reasonable. The Central Plains have suffered war, and many refugees from Hebei and retired or wounded soldiers from the Imperial Camp have been resettled here. To ensure that these people are not cheated when loans are made, it is best to use people connected to the military... But there is one thing I must say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, please speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is, the person in overall charge must be selected from among proper civil officials. Your Majesty can directly supervise and intervene, but it must be properly placed under the Ministry of Revenue. Above all, Yang Yizhong and Liu Yan must not be allowed to touch this matter. This is because the military academy is originally within Yanfu Palace, and the students there are already suspected of being subordinates of Yang and Liu. If they are also put in charge of this, it would undoubtedly add another source of income for the Imperial Guard, and I fear it could lead to the disaster of the Shence Army in the Tang dynasty.\" Lu Haowen spoke seriously, causing the several chief councilors behind him to exchange glances, while Yang Yizhong looked embarrassed and could only lower his head as if he hadn't heard. \"In other words, it can follow the precedent of the official gazette, but not the precedent of the Imperial City Office and secret memorials.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about Yu Yunwen, the Imperial Diarist?\" Zhao Jiu sighed and also spoke seriously. \"Set up a Military Statistics Department under the Ministry of Revenue and make him the first Director of the Military Statistics Department.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the specific appointment, that is naturally a matter for Your Majesty and the Secretariat. I dare not say more.\" Lu Haowen replied earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment's hesitation, Minister Lu spoke again: \"There is one more small matter. I believe Your Majesty says he doesn't care about the Buddhist sect, but in fact, he is still overly cautious, even to the point of being counterproductive... In the past, it was difficult for the Buddhist sect to even contact the Son of Heaven. But Your Majesty first visited Daxiangguo Temple, then Shaolin Temple, making multiple personal pilgrimages. You also sent the Retired Emperor Daojun to be housed at Shaolin Temple, personally appointed Fahe as the abbot of Shaolin Temple, and today, when restarting the Green Sprout Law, you also started with Shaolin Temple. Instead, this has involuntarily elevated the Buddhist sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu thought for a moment, finding it hard to believe: \"Minister Lu means that by slapping the monks in the face, I am actually elevating them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Haowen nodded repeatedly, then slowly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu was momentarily speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is indeed what I mean.\" Lu Haowen smiled bitterly in response. \"I am not trying to play Zen riddles like the monks. I just feel that Your Majesty's willingness to reason like this, whether with monks or with the chief councilors, is always a good thing for the world... Compared to this, Your Majesty having Zen monks endorse the Bodhisattvas of the Esoteric School, and giving the Arhats, whom Mahayana Buddhism looks down upon, as a favor to Abbot Fahe, is truly a trivial matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Zhao Jiu couldn't help but laugh: \"So, the worst and most unreasonable person in the world is actually the emperor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, amid the astonishment of the other four ministers behind him, Lu Haowen actually nodded slightly: \"That is what I mean. I hope Your Majesty will continue in this manner in the future, self-disciplined and virtuous in your conduct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\" Zhao Jiu nodded, then slowly asked amid the silence of the several chief councilors. \"Does Minister Lu have anything else to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\" Lu Haowen stood with his hands clasped under the moonlight. \"Grand Coordinator Lu Yihao acts fiercely and is not fit to be a chief councilor, but he is a good blade for practical work. While he is still in the southeast and in good health, if the 'New Green Sprout Law' here in the Central Plains is implemented smoothly, he can be allowed to promote it in the southeast ahead of schedule...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\" Zhao Jiu, as if recalling something, laughed lightly with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, regarding the 'Market Exchange Law,' although it shares the same drawbacks as the 'Green Sprout Law'—both being prone to exploitation by officials for profit—the 'New Green Sprout Law' is feasible, but one cannot say the 'New Market Exchange Law' is feasible... Your Majesty must be cautious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood. Anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also, I wish to resign from the positions of Overseer of Military and State Affairs and Chief of the Secret Pavilion.\" Lu Haowen continued slowly, and the people around him did not show any particular surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" Zhao Jiu also showed no obvious surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am nearly seventy, my body is failing daily, my energy is waning, and my mind is becoming confused. I have also experienced the old days of 'abundance and prosperity,' and personally witnessed Cai Jing, at seventy, holding the position of Duke Minister while contending for power with various villains. I have taken this as a warning and do not wish to hold power and become the target of the world's scrutiny. This is the first reason...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhao Ding instinctively wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I first received the appointment of Duke Minister, then was added to the Secret Pavilion, and now have the additional post of Duke Pavilion. Coupled with my study of the original teachings, the affairs are too numerous and complex, leading to losses in every aspect without the ability to delve deeply. I wish to resign from the Secret Pavilion and Duke Minister positions, keeping only the post of Chief of the Duke Pavilion for one year, and then focus on the original teachings. This is the second reason.\" Lu Haowen continued seriously. \"Also, my eldest son, Lu Benzhong, is now forty-eight years old. My other sons have also reached adulthood long ago, but because of me, they have been delayed in entering officialdom. As a father, I have a natural affection for my children and do not wish to hinder their careers... This is the third reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu finally nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thinking back to the day I was appointed chief councilor at the Mingdao Palace, my colleagues at the time—Li Boji (Li Gang) left office years ago, Huang Qianshan met such an end, Zong Ze and Wang Yuan died for the country, Minister Zhang (Zhang Que) died on the road, Minister Xu Jingheng retired at the height of his power, and even Minister Yuwen (Yuwen Xuzhong) and Grand Coordinator Lu (Lu Yihao), who became chief councilors later, are now only governing locally, having actually lost the power of the chief councilor... I have long harbored the intention to retire, but I had to delay due to Your Majesty's entrustment of the orphan and the state.\" Lu Haowen spoke more and more fluently. \"And now, the peace negotiations have ended, the Two Emperors have been settled, the appeasement officials in the court have been removed, the puppet Qi has been destroyed, and the country is actually stable. Today's grand sacrifice is meant to mark the shift in the offensive and defensive posture between Song and Jin. The time and circumstances are right; I really should not stay any longer... This is the fourth reason!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When Minister Xu left, he specifically said that Lu Yihao should not be used and that keeping you, Minister Lu, as Duke Minister would bring stability.\" Zhao Jiu quickly smiled in response, as the words had become somewhat heavy. \"Who would have thought that today, when you leave, you would use his retirement as a reason? I wonder how I should deal with his questioning in the future?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhao Jiu change his form of address, everyone present understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was Minister Xu's fear that Your Majesty would disregard the people's livelihood and be instigated by Grand Coordinator Lu into a hasty northern expedition... But as it now appears, Your Majesty is prudent and knowledgeable in governance, not at all what he imagined.\" Lu Haowen said dismissively. \"Besides, he left in a huff, spending his days fishing in Wenzhou, leaving me stranded here. Why should I bother to deal with him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu was about to nod, and the several chief councilors were also preparing to heap praise on Minister Lu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty is willing to reason, and I should also be frank... There is a fifth reason.\" However, after hesitating for a moment, Lu Haowen finally spoke his mind thoroughly. \"I have received great favor from Your Majesty, leading to this encounter between ruler and minister. But in the chaotic times of the past, I also received the grace and righteousness of the Retired Emperor and the Profound Sage Emperor. Previously, for official matters, I arranged for the Profound Sage Emperor to reside at Dongxiao Palace in Shaoxing. Naturally, I have a clear conscience in public duty, but in private, I am somewhat uneasy... I know Your Majesty's intentions, but I still hope Your Majesty will treat the Profound Sage Emperor somewhat kindly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu finally couldn't help but snort with laughter: \"If that's the case, Minister Lu, you might as well take good care of your health, stay in Dongjing City, and study the original teachings diligently. The healthier you are and the more capable you become, the more I will have to listen to you... Don't say I didn't warn you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Haowen let out a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zhao Ding, who had been carefully silent for a long time, couldn't help but glance at Zhang Jun. The latter understood that the former was not in a position to speak at this time, so he stepped forward half a pace, cupped his hands, and smiled: \"Your Majesty, Minister Lu and Your Majesty have enjoyed a fine relationship as ruler and minister for four or five years, achieving great deeds. Today he resigns, does Your Majesty not have a good poem or verse to present as a gift? I still remember last month when Commander-in-Chief Yue took his leave, Your Majesty encouraged him with the line, 'Three hundred and sixty days a year, mostly on horseback with a horizontal spear,' which was simple yet remarkable...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu also laughed, pointing to the sky: \"Deyuan, are you confused? Why would I need to compose new poems or lyrics today? Even with old poems and lyrics, there is only one masterpiece.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Haowen and the other chief councilors, along with Yang Yizhong, were all startled for a moment, but as soon as they looked up, they almost all understood at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lyric goes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know what year it is tonight in the palaces of heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish to ride the wind and return, but fear the jade towers and marble halls are too cold at such heights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dancing, I play with my shadow—how can this be like the mortal world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning around the crimson pavilion, lowering through the silk-draped door, shining upon the sleepless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should have no resentment—why must it be full when we are parted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People have sorrow and joy, parting and reunion; the moon has its waxing and waning, its clear and cloudy phases—such things have never been perfect since ancient times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only wish that we may live long, and share the moon's beauty across a thousand miles.\u003C\u002Fp>",3209,"2026-06-06T07:46:04.529Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","177807285461bc6b16ec75c4cd14a3f2869160ba22c3c6f14fa6479a9998ec84","shao-song-chapter-303","shao-song-chapter-301",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]