[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-392":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},1558558,2024,"Chapter 392: Reflecting Snow, Reflecting Moon","shao-song-chapter-392",392,"\u003Cp>Snowflakes drifted from north to south, falling without cease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, though the snowflakes on Mount Yanshan were said to be as large as mats, by the time they reached Zhending Prefecture, they were only the size of goose feathers, and when they drifted to the banks of the Yellow River, they melted upon landing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also in early November, in the Great Song's Eastern Capital, a light snow, almost like mist, arrived unexpectedly, drawing the attention of many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, by common sense, or judging by the chaos before the army's departure, this snow should have caused even greater alarm or even unrest… When His Majesty Zhao Jiu suddenly launched the northern expedition ahead of schedule due to the sudden death of the Jin's Third Prince, Eriduo, the reason for the disturbance at the Youtai camp outside the city was, on one hand, the suddenness of the event and the hasty mobilization, and on the other, the Great Song's disregard for the season by deploying troops in winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no help for it. Since ancient times, in the feudal era, the common people feared nothing more than cold and hunger. His Majesty Zhao Jiu acting against the season naturally caused the imperial army's dependents to panic-buy cold-weather clothing and grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But by now, with successive victories on the front lines, especially in the Hedong direction, and the recapture of many prefectures and counties, coupled with His Majesty's personal campaign, the initial panic among the common people at the start of the war had somewhat subsided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because just as the people had previously been more concerned with cold and hunger, now the common assessment of the war situation in the markets was mostly based on the official gazettes reporting the recapture of one city today and one prefecture tomorrow… For the common people, these were tangible, visible results, more effective than anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, these recaptured places were not unknown or unfamiliar locations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mention Anyi, and countless people would recall the days when Hedong salt and Jingdong salt were sold side by side in the capital; mention Hedong City, and merchants would speak of how, when they once drove sheep for trade, they had glimpsed the Guanque Tower from afar, leading some to discuss how many stories the tower had, and others to sigh over how many poems had been written about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that within the Eastern Capital itself, there were countless exiled scholars and commoners from Hedong, who knew the mountains and rivers of that place better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This caused the Eastern Capital, after adapting to the initial chaos, to instead fall into a strange state of dynamic, busy stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Make way, make way! We're contributing to the nation's efforts too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, outside the Donghua Gate, several scholars stood at a street corner with their hands clasped behind their backs, deep in conversation. Before them, the palace loomed dark and solemn; behind them, the Horse-Riding Street bustled with undiminished activity; a thousand li away, the clash of arms and iron hooves resounded; above their heads, rain and snow drifted down—truly a scene of patriotic melancholy. But just as they had spoken a few words around a young man who seemed to be their leader, suddenly, a dozen or so wheelbarrows, each flying a banner of the Imperial Guard, came racing from south to north, their momentum astonishing. As they came, they shouted, startling the young men into scattering and fleeing in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever patriotic melancholy they had been about to express was instantly swallowed back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know that, according to the wartime directives issued by the Secretariat some days earlier, what had originally been a suggestion—\"pedestrians and vehicles in the capital keep to the right\"—had now become a wartime regulation. And these food delivery carts, because they supplied the palace and government offices, had even been granted the designation of \"military supplies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, if one were to be struck by one of these wheelbarrow convoys coming from the Imperial Street and keeping to the right, even if the matter were taken to the Kaifeng Prefecture, one would only be hung up and cursed out by that dark, skinny, short, and fierce Lord Yan Xiaozhong, and might even have a record made at the Imperial Academy, affecting one's advancement and the imperial examinations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, after this disruption, these men initially wanted to regroup. But starting with this convoy, the food delivery carts from the Imperial Street direction came in an intermittent, unending stream, much like the tiny snowflakes above their heads, as if the main force of delivery carts that had been serving the Imperial Street area was now returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wartime, you see. The central and local officials working on Imperial Street were far more numerous than usual, and the scale of food delivery far exceeded the ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no other choice, these few Imperial Academy students had to abandon their thoughts of youthful camaraderie. They clasped their hands in farewell to the young gentleman they had happened upon, and most of them headed south along the palace wall back toward the Imperial Academy area, while that young gentleman, hugging the outer edge of the delivery carts, headed toward Horse-Riding Street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, this young gentleman had originally come here precisely because he knew the midday delivery carts would be returning, and the shops on Horse-Riding Street would be preparing for the evening deliveries. He had just been unlucky enough to run into a group of junior Imperial Academy students and, due to his special status, had been held up by them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, when this man reached Horse-Riding Street, starting with Sister Song's Fish Chowder, he visited three or four shops in a row, but only ordered a dozen or so vegetable dishes, accompanied by the customary winter items like ginger and fermented beans, barely enough to fill one large and one small table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, even so, these establishments, with their huge reputations and exorbitant prices, all treated him with the utmost respect and seriousness. In the end, the head of each shop would personally see this young gentleman out, even promising that they would personally deliver the order to his residence that evening without fail… The reason was simple enough: this young gentleman was none other than the eldest son of the current Grand Councilor, a man named Zhao Fen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Master Zhao had come out for no other reason than that the front-line battle reports had arrived: the Zhi Pass had been secured, the advance on Linfen was surging like a tide, and the Jin army, after hastily engaging and losing the Hezhong Basin, had then simply abandoned the Linfen Basin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Grand Councilor Zhao Ding's hometown was none other than Wenxi, the very place where Grand Councilor Lü Yihao was currently recuperating. How could he not know the terrain of his own hometown? So, after this turn of events, Grand Councilor Zhao was completely reassured, knowing that Wenxi was, in any case, now completely and safely recovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on, he was no longer a man adrift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, he inevitably shared the same sentiment as the exiled scholars and commoners from Hedong—a desire to sing and drink freely at night. He remained composed at the Secretariat, the Imperial Library, and the Council Hall, maintaining the demeanor of a Grand Councilor, but secretly couldn't resist breaking protocol to slip a note to his son, telling him to prepare wine and a feast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Master Zhao Fen was, of course, very happy about this. However, although his name contained the character \"Fen,\" he had moved to the capital with his parents at a very young age and had only vague impressions of his hometown, so he wasn't thrilled to that extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when evening came, and Zhao Fen, having made all the arrangements at home, awaited his father's return and saw the evening's guests, he realized he had underestimated the extent of his father's elation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were only two guests: one was the current Privy Council Grand Councilor, Zhang Jun, styled Zhang Deyuan; the other was the Minister of Works, Hu Yin, styled Hu Mingzhong… Together with his own father, the current Grand Councilor Zhao Ding, styled Zhao Yuanzhen, they were the so-called \"Three Famous Officials of the Jingkang Imperial Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a typical private banquet. Although Zhang Jun's sons were still young, his clan was vast, and he had brought three or five adult nephews to help manage the household. Hu Yin's situation was similar; he had his half-brother Hu Hong and a distant cousin who had come to study with him… For a time, combined with the already numerous offspring of the Zhao family, there was quite a lively atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the banquet was laid out, it was only two tables. One table was outside, where Zhao Fen had the jinshi-degree holder and already-serving official Hu Hong take the seat of honor, then sat with his younger brother and the others as company. The other table was inside, with only the three main protagonists, not even a servant to pour wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This further amazed those outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's actually ginger and fermented beans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the three inside were seated, Zhang Jun glanced at the wine and dishes on the table and immediately smiled. \"Brother Yuanzhen certainly hasn't forgotten his roots.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roots are the beginning; everything must have a beginning.\" Zhao Ding stroked his beard and smiled as well. \"When His Majesty was in Hangzhou, whenever he spoke of matters here, he would constantly repeat that phrase… 'One must always trace things back to their beginning; how can a person forget their roots?' How could I forget the contributions of this 'Minister Ginger' and His Majesty's grace in recognizing my talent?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, the two laughed together, and the tension from their arrival eased by three-tenths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yin, however, remained exactly as he had been ten years earlier. Without a word, he stood up, actively poured wine for the two men who could once almost be called his sworn brothers, then sat back down with a calm expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although this is a family banquet, we must first drink a toast of congratulations.\" Zhang Jun's smile subsided slightly as he raised his cup. \"The Imperial Army's great advance in Hedong, though within expectations, for you, Brother Yuanzhen, it means you have finally recovered your foundation and are no longer a man adrift… This calls for a toast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Hu Yin immediately stood and raised his wine cup. Zhao Ding nodded, and for once, without any show of modesty, he raised his cup and drained it in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Hu Mingzhong once again poured wine for the three in turn. After finishing, he sat back in his seat, directly picked up his chopsticks, and began with the steaming fish chowder in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhao and Zhang, after each had drunk their cup, they sat with their hands folded, silent, merely sighing, as if recalling the past and contemplating the origins of their bond, filled with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This snow won't get heavy, will it?\" For some reason, despite their friendship of over a decade, after a long while, the two had nearly run out of things to say, to the point that Zhang Deyuan had to resort to making small talk about the weather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It won't get heavy.\" Zhao Yuanzhen responded as if snapping out of a reverie. \"I had people ask many elderly folk, and they all said there's no anomaly in the climate this year. Based on experience, at most, small rivers and well water will freeze this month. Even if a severe cold arrives, freezing the great rivers, it won't be until the first ten days of the twelfth month… However, entrusted with our duties here, regardless of the weather, we must prepare for the worst… We should give appropriate priority to Privy Council Grand Councilor Chen Gui, and the ice-breaking duties on the Yellow River should be organized in advance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct.\" Zhang Jun nodded repeatedly, then sighed again. \"In truth, the key is still Great Ming Prefecture. If Yue Pengju can breach Great Ming Prefecture in one fell swoop, everything will be easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yue Pengju is no immortal.\" Zhao Ding gave a wry smile. \"Behind Great Ming Prefecture, there are five Wanhu districts, plus four or five more from Longde Prefecture, which can be reached in a few days. His forces are considerably weaker than the enemy's. Besides, Great Ming Prefecture itself is a strong city, flanked on three sides by the great river, a natural barrier… How could he possibly breach it? He is originally a detached force; as long as he can firmly pin down the Eastern Route Army, that will be sufficient. If he can also draw in the Western Route Army, that would be the best scenario, but then it would be Yue Fei's turn to defend the city, and the snow might actually become a good thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yue Pengju has the makings of a famous general.\" Zhang Jun sighed immediately. \"I feel that if we could give him a few more troops, we might be able to open a breach directly on the Hebei front this time… Think about it, if we could breach Great Ming Prefecture before the new year… then the Jin army, caught off balance, would have to concentrate their forces in the fields, and once our two flanks have rested and reorganized, we could converge by the mountains and rivers and eliminate the rebels in one stroke.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding seemed about to speak, but stopped himself, and finally could only look at Hu Yin, who had already lowered his head to gnaw on half a fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Matters of state and military are for His Majesty to ponder. He long ago set the strategy of focusing on Hedong—how can it be changed?\" Hu Yin replied without looking up. \"Besides, the season does not permit it… There are ways to breach a city, for instance, sending a naval force into the flanks of Great Ming Prefecture, then cutting off its rear with heavy troops, preventing Jin reinforcements from approaching the city and giving our forces a local numerical advantage, then we could act… There was such a plan among those drafted by the Military Academy and the Privy Council, but it was for a spring campaign, taking advantage of the high water. Now we are advancing in winter; the waters are not only shallow but may also freeze. Unless we have a method to breach the city instantly, the situation would deteriorate badly. Who would dare to risk it lightly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun was momentarily abashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Hu Yin, showing no regard for his elder brother's face, continued to admonish him seriously: \"Brother Deyuan, it has been nearly fifty days since the sudden death of the Jin's Third Prince, and over forty days since His Majesty ordered the troops out. On the Hebei front, we have recovered three prefectures; on the Hedong front, we have recovered six or seven. Are you still thinking about personal gains and losses, unable to settle your mind and serve the nation? If so, why not take the initiative to resign and rest for a few days, handing matters over to Brother Yuanzhen, and let me, Liu Ziyu, and Lin Jingmo assist from the side, taking over your duties for you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun was stunned, then flustered. Zhao Ding was also momentarily at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simple: both of them knew that Hu Mingzhong was not a man who would vie for power, nor was he timid. On the contrary, he was a serious man who regarded the northern expedition as everything. If he said such a thing, it was nine out of ten that he truly meant it, and might even try to do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Zhang Jun was flustered, not knowing how to explain himself. It was Zhao Ding who, after a slight pause, earnestly tried to dissuade him: \"Mingzhong… it's not calculated that way. Deyuan has long held the Privy Council position. Any rash move would arouse suspicion both inside and outside the court. The very act would destabilize the court and affect the front lines.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct. Brother Deyuan holds a high and weighty position, forming his own system. If he is shaken, it will harm the nation.\" Hu Yin continued seriously. \"But if that is the case, Brother Deyuan should act with more self-respect. Why is he still, day after day, saying things like 'if only it were like this' or 'what if it were like that'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mingzhong.\" Zhao Ding already regretted interrupting Hu Yin's fish-eating. \"Isn't this today's private banquet, just the three of us talking in private? We reveal some personal thoughts here so that we can put on our official demeanor at the Chongwen Institute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun quickly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that's the case, then before His Majesty's proclamation was published in the official gazette, why did I hear from lower-ranking clerks that Brother Deyuan openly lamented at the Chongwen Institute, saying it was a pity that his own drafted proclamation wasn't used, allowing Fan Sanzhao to become famous… Is that the proper conduct for one holding the office of Grand Councilor?\" Hu Mingzhong continued his relentless questioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding was finally silenced, while Zhang Jun was already sweating profusely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, if it were anyone else, even if Zhao Ding himself had said these things, Zhang Deyuan would have immediately overturned the table and walked out. But then again, no one else would have questioned him like this, would they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only this younger brother, whom he had known for over a decade, who could offer such a remonstrance at today's rare private banquet, where only the three of them were reminiscing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That's right, Zhang Deyuan had already confirmed that Hu Mingzhong was doing it deliberately—seizing the opportunity to express his discontent. The younger brother who used to only lower his head and eat ginger-and-fermented-beans that day had now gotten his chance, and once he opened his mouth, it was full of sharp fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, even so, what of it? Hu Yin, this man, usually acted with such low profile that there was hardly any flaw to be found... It wasn't as if you could break off relations just because he admonished you a few times at a private banquet, and then have someone impeach him for unfilial conduct, was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impeaching Hu Mingzhong for unfilial conduct wouldn't work either. The last person who secretly impeached him for that now only had the saying \"everything must have a beginning\" left to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, wouldn't that just prove you were a selfish creature who couldn't see the bigger picture and was unfit to be a Grand Councilor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Zhang Jun didn't even dare to storm off in a huff... because he was genuinely afraid that if he left today, tomorrow Hu Mingzhong would really send a memorial directly to the Imperial Presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was afraid of whom?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, who had Minister Hu ever been afraid of? Did anyone really think he was a vegetarian?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, more than half the fish was gone—still a vegetarian?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no other choice, Zhang Jun, who had only just managed to catch his breath after a long while, had to steel himself and stand up, cupping his hands respectfully: \"Thank you for the reminder, Mingzhong. Your elder brother has indeed failed to maintain the proper decorum of a Grand Councilor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said this, he raised his cup again in response, as a cover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yin nodded, stood up without any ceremony, and drank with him, accepting the toast. But before sitting down, he took the initiative to pick up the wine pot and refill the other's cup with Blue Bridge Wind and Moon wine, his posture still impeccable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, the three of them set the matter aside and began feasting and conversing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, though it was said to be three old friends catching up, Hu Yin just kept his head down eating. He ate most of one fish, then tossed it aside and started working on an entire bowl of ginger-and-fermented-beans... Meanwhile, Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun, as the two Grand Councilors of the Eastern and Western Administrations, could not help but steer every topic of conversation toward matters of state and military affairs. And whenever military affairs came up, they inevitably had to consider their respective factions and engage in some division and debate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun, in particular, had been put on the defensive before His Majesty because of his earlier memorial. Now he was a guest at Zhao Ding's residence and had just been dealt a heavy blow by Hu Mingzhong, so he was unavoidably much more cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, when Zhao Ding mentioned that the transport situation in Jingdong East Circuit was poor and suggested combining the military supply transport of both Jingdong Circuits under Moqiyuanzhong of Jingdong West Circuit, Zhang Jun instinctively became wary and immediately proposed that, with the campaign underway, severe punishment should be meted out as a deterrent. He wanted to remove the young Han Grand Coordinator of Jingdong East Circuit and send Zhao Yuanxian, Vice Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Rites, to Jingdong East Circuit instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was because the young Han Grand Coordinator had originally been recommended for the post by Zhang Deyuan himself. If, while the front lines were fighting, that fellow reluctantly continued in Jingdong and did something superfluous, it would inevitably incur His Majesty's wrath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Zhao Yuanxian was an old subordinate of Zhao Ding's from his time in the Huainan Circuits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a typical defensive strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could only be said that it was fortunate Zhang Jun did not go a step further and discuss who would fill the vacancy of Vice Minister of Rites, otherwise it would have been too obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Zhao Ding ultimately did not agree to this plan either. He still felt that replacing a major regional official at such a time would cause upheaval. Besides, he could see that Zhang Jun was overreacting somewhat, so he was inclined to shelve the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this, they also touched upon the matter of Eastern Mongolia... Joint reports had recently come in from the Shaanxi and Ningxia directions, saying that grassland intelligence indicated constant Jurchen emissary activity in Eastern Mongolia. Coupled with the fact that Borjigin Khabul had never given a reply, it was unclear whether he had actually been bought off, was holding out for a better price, or was simply waiting to see which way the wind blew. Therefore, the court needed to quickly dispatch a high-ranking envoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Zhao and Zhang inevitably had a small dispute over the choice of this envoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be fair, the dispute between these two men was not necessarily factional strife, nor was it necessarily a case of private interest overriding public duty... because they were both capable of considering state affairs, and Zhao His Majesty's decisions had never failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Zhao His Majesty was not a superman who could decide everything. Especially since His Majesty was often away from the capital, and Lü Haowen was increasingly protective of his own reputation and normally did not meddle in such matters. This meant that while Zhao and Zhang's power was unprecedentedly concentrated and immense, there was no higher level to check it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In plain terms, these two men, in a certain sense, had already become holders of a relative \"supreme power.\" And the opposition of supreme powers inevitably led to disputes, which in turn created confrontation and division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially under the system of the Privy Council's deliberative resolutions, gathering supporters was unavoidable if one wanted to get things done, which further intensified this opposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could only be said that this situation had existed ever since the two men first took charge of the government five years ago. It would intensify whenever Zhao His Majesty went out on tour. But since both men were considered His Majesty's trusted confidants and their obedience to His Majesty was unquestionable, things would gradually calm down once His Majesty returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But wasn't it that this time Zhao His Majesty had been away for an exceptionally long time? And hadn't His Majesty, after returning for barely two days, been hit by a sudden incident that triggered the Northern Expedition ahead of schedule?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result was that the so-called factional strife between the \"Water\" and \"Wood\" factions had no time to dissipate before being drowned by a flood of military and state affairs. And then, with more matters piling up, it in turn made the opposition between the two sides even more severe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a certain sense, while Zhao Ding had genuinely set up today's banquet because he was happy about the recovery of his hometown and had called two close friends to catch up, there was also an element of him being worn out from dealing with Zhang Jun and wanting to arrange a private truce—a gentleman's agreement to work together on state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, looking at Zhang Deyuan's current cautious demeanor, it seemed unlikely that this gentleman's agreement would come to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three hundred Japanese samurai have already arrived in Jinan...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three hundred men are useless on the battlefield. Their value lies in reassuring the people and in diplomacy. Have them come to the capital, show their faces in front of the Goryeo envoy, then quickly send them to Hedong to serve as ceremonial guards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's nothing much to say about this matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The river transport route in Shanzhou is inconvenient. Someone has suggested sending supplies overland to Guanzhong and transferring them from Pujin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can try it. But if so, should we appoint an additional Vice Transport Commissioner? Or should we have Vice Minister Liu hold the concurrent post?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This... isn't this the responsibility of the Ministry of Works? Mingzhong...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yuanzhen calls for me?\" Hu Yin, who was gnawing on a \"Jianyan Imperial Duck\" drumstick, looked up in surprise and asked earnestly. \"I thought you two elder brothers had forgotten about your foolish younger brother...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun both felt awkward and quickly composed themselves, sitting up straight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Zhao Ding, feeling ashamed, looked at the dishes that had been nearly half-eaten, gritted his teeth, and put on the air of a host:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Deyuan, Mingzhong, today it is because your elder brother can finally die and be buried in his hometown, returning to his roots, and my heart is truly joyful. Then I remembered the words we three spoke when we hid in the Imperial Academy during the Jingkang era, so I called you over to drink a cup of wine and reminisce a little... How about this: from now on, let's not bring up any state affairs or political strategies. Let's only talk about old friendships, about romance and literature. Let's throw all official business to tomorrow, shall we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun immediately agreed with a smile. As he spoke, he even rolled up his sleeves and recited a poem on the spot to lighten the mood. It was said to be a poem he had composed a few days earlier when he visited Lü Haowen, Grand Councilor Lü, and took the opportunity to pay respects at the newly set-up ancestral hall in Grand Councilor Lü's residence, writing it impromptu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It went:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three chancellors for years have steadied the temple hall, \u002F The land's hills and streams have gained luster from them all. \u002F For a time they hold the weight of power and decree, \u002F For a thousand years their names will fragrant be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These \"three chancellors\" naturally referred to the three unprecedented Grand Councilors for Military and State Affairs from the Lü family, but using it here also carried a teasing implication, because among the three seated, only Hu Yin had not yet become a Grand Councilor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Hu Yin just shook his head: \"Brother Deyuan's talents all lie in Confucian studies. He's not bad at Buddhist studies either, and his recent study of the 'Original Learning' is also decent. But his poetry and romantic literature are truly lacking—just like your foolish younger brother, too vulgar to be presented in refined company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun was momentarily deflated, but since Hu Mingzhong had also said \"just like your foolish younger brother,\" it was hard to scold him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then how are your elder brother's poetry and romantic literature?\" Zhao Ding quickly chimed in to keep the mood light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When it comes to romantic literature and essays, among the three of us, Brother Yuanzhen has the greatest achievement.\" Hu Yin replied boldly and calmly. \"But this is not because Brother Yuanzhen is a man of talent; it's because Brother Yuanzhen does not specialize in literary works in his life. Whenever he produces something literary, it comes from genuine emotion... And romantic writing, once it has genuine emotion, surpasses countless works in the world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, how could Zhao and Zhang not know that Hu Mingzhong was a serious character? If he said this, he truly believed it. So Zhao Ding immediately smiled faintly, stroked his beard with self-satisfaction, feeling pleased inside, while Zhang Jun grew anxious and wanted to say something—he still wanted to prove that his \"Proclamation\" was not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then, Hu Yin, ignoring the postures of Zhao and Zhang, imitated Zhang Jun's earlier move. Holding his duck drumstick, he tapped it against his wine cup and, with his lips gleaming especially brightly under the candlelight, recited a poem:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Waning moon and withered willows accompany my sorrow deep, \u002F Holding wine, I sing a sad song by the Bian River in autumn's keep. \u002F Parted in life and death, tears fall for what we've been through, \u002F Fame and fortune—this heart has given them up too. \u002F Killing a chicken and making millet recalls a promise made, \u002F Asking about houses and fields shames the plans we laid. \u002F Once more in the spring breeze I speak of parting ways, \u002F This life's livelihood drifts on through endless days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished the poem, Hu Yin, holding the duck drumstick, shook his head and sighed at the two men, whose expressions had already changed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yuanzhen, you said today we would only talk about old friendships and romantic literature. But if we're talking about the old friendships and romantic literature of us three, is there any poem more fitting than this one? Ten years ago, the three of us hid together in the Imperial Academy, escaped together, and agreed by the Bian River outside the city. Brother Yuanzhen, with a large family, went south; Brother Deyuan went north; I, alone, followed the Bian River east. We split into three routes to scout for information and find the temporary court, to avoid being caught in one net if we encountered danger on the road... But why didn't you have poetic inspiration before I set off? Why did this poem only come when you two parted ways, one going south and one north? Why is this poem titled 'Parting with Zhang Deyuan' and not 'To Hu Mingzhong'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun was momentarily stunned. Zhao Ding forced a smile and was about to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he didn't know how to reply and seemed somewhat dazed instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Hu Mingzhong, who had been eating all night, he continued tapping his duck drumstick on the table: \"Brother Yuanzhen, Brother Deyuan, when it comes to the old friendship among us three, other things can be set aside, but this one matter has always rankled your foolish younger brother! Tell me, a hundred years from now, when poems are weeded out and new ones take their place, and we three are no great masters, those vulgar pieces like 'Three Chancellors Steady the Temple Hall' will probably be forgotten. Then only this poem will be passed down through the ages. Won't that make the world think that only you two shared a bond of life and death, while I, Hu Mingzhong, was just a passerby? Wasn't it Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, and Hu Yin—the three of us sitting here today—who made that pact of life-and-death friendship back then?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reciting the poem, Hu Yin pinched the duck leg and shook his head with emotion at the two men whose faces had already changed color:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Yuanzhen, you said today we would only discuss old friendships and romantic literature, but if we're talking about the old friendships and romantic literature among the three of us, could there be a poem more fitting than this one? Ten years ago, the three of us hid together in the Imperial Academy, escaped together, and by the Bian River outside the city we agreed—Brother Yuanzhen had a large family, so he went south; Brother Deyuan went north; I, alone, followed the Bian River eastward. We split into three routes to gather information and find the Emperor's temporary residence, to avoid being caught in one net if we encountered danger... But why did you have no poetic inspiration before I set off, yet only after I left, when the two of you parted ways north and south, did this poem come about? Why is this poem titled 'Parting from Zhang Deyuan' and not 'To Hu Mingzhong'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun was momentarily stunned there. Zhao Ding forced a smile, and was about to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he too found himself momentarily at a loss for how to reply, instead appearing somewhat dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Hu Mingzhong, who had been eating all evening, he continued tapping the duck leg on the table without stopping: \"Brother Yuanzhen, Brother Deyuan, when it comes to the old friendship among the three of us, other matters are fine, but this one thing has always weighed on my mind! Tell me, a hundred years from now, when poems and lyrics are weeded out and replaced by new ones, and the three of us are not great masters, those vulgar works about 'three ministers stabilizing the court' will probably all be overshadowed. If only this poem is left to be passed down, won't it make the world think that only the two of you shared life-and-death bonds, while I, Hu Mingzhong, was merely a passerby? Wasn't it Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, and Hu Yin—the three of us sitting here today—who forged that life-and-death bond back then?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the end, the conversation had grown almost heated, and even in the outer hall, separated by two doors, there were some panicked sounds of movement, though no one dared to come in and peek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhao and Zhang, once Hu Yin recited his poem, they gradually grew dejected. When Hu Yin made his gestures of accusation and interrogation, both of them actually intended to respond verbally during that time, but almost as soon as they opened their mouths, they could not help feeling three parts shame, three parts bitterness, and another three parts of wavering emotion, to the point where they had nothing to say in reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, once upon a time, when the state was broken and their families lost, the three of them had supported each other through life and death, and had made vows of eternal friendship—what a bond that was! And now, with the overall situation reversed, each had grown their own wings, standing in opposition to one another, to the point that even such a gathering required hesitation and probing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this awkward situation, Hu Mingzhong's mockery carried both satirical intent and a measure of genuine feeling expressing closeness—truly difficult to counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention how mixed the feelings of the other two were inside; as for Hu Mingzhong, after finishing his poem and speaking his piece, he lowered his head again to deal with that duck leg. After a moment, when he had more or less finished with the duck leg, this Minister of Works simply stood up and cupped his hands to the two of them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder brothers, regarding old friendships and romantic affairs, your foolish younger brother has only that one speech, and he has already finished it. If I have offended, then it is naturally because you have forgotten the old bonds of our life-and-death friendship, not because what your foolish younger brother said was unpleasant to hear... Since the three hundred samurai from Japan have already arrived in Jinan, I will go back first to arrange the allocation documents. I will also handle the matter of transshipment through Pujin. I won't delay you two elder brothers any longer... You two may discuss romance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said this, he actually walked away in a huff without looking back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao and Zhang, looking at each other forlornly, also felt ashamed in their hearts, and hurried out to chase after him. But unexpectedly, Hu Mingzhong was young and quick on his feet. They chased him all the way to the courtyard without seeing Minister Hu turn back. Moreover, at this time, the group of nephews and younger men sitting in the outer hall followed them out, making it awkward to call out publicly. For a moment, they were so ashamed they wished they could sink into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, in the courtyard where the light snow had already stopped, Hu Yin, who had ignored his younger brother and nephew who had hastily chased after him, suddenly stopped on his own, then turned back to look at them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've got it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got what?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun, seeing the other man stop, quickly stepped forward, preparing to drag him back. \"Mingzhong, the snow has stopped outside, and it's a bit cold. Come back with your elder brother and have some wine first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding also hurried forward, about to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\" Hu Yin raised his hand to block him, then, in front of the nephews of all three families, respectfully bowed to each of them in turn. \"Just now, each of you elder brothers had a poem... Your foolish younger brother has also come up with a vulgar poem, which can serve as a response. It suits this old friendship of snow, moon, and romance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun both felt their heads ache, but could only stand solemnly before their respective nephews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the light snow had stopped, and a crescent moon emerged, casting a slightly crystalline light on the ground and eaves. Hu Mingzhong, hands clasped behind his back, trod on the snow in the courtyard, one couplet per step, and composed a poem publicly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Yellow River springs from the Kunlun ruins, the Yangtze from the base of Mount Min.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broadly they receive a hundred tributaries, rolling on for ten thousand miles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water is only level by the standard, and virtue is compared to a mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lidui and Dizhu—why do they rise in the middle of the current?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They cause the level to tilt, and make the bright become dregs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though my gate may be like a market, my heart must be like water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do not be stirred like the Dizhu, but rather serve as the record of heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When there is resentment at home, only Shun dealt with father and son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When there is resentment in the state, only Dan worried about the ruin of the house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could this be from anger and desire? Faults and wrongs are not the principles of heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao He and Cao Shen were friends in poverty and lowliness, but a rift arose from the positions of general and minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they were able to remove the grudges, and praised each other to the end of their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did they also take as a warning? Overturned carts leave enough for the ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, men of Qin and Han, different paths in a hundred generations of history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the poem was finished, the words were simple and easy to understand. Everyone knew that Hu Mingzhong was earnestly advising the two to unite their hearts and work together on state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nephews of the Zhao and Zhang families all looked at their respective elders, making Zhao and Zhang even more embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side, Hu Mingzhong, having composed his vulgar poem and eaten his fill, simply strode away through the light snow. His younger brother Hu Hong followed behind, not even bothering to light a lantern, chasing after him directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao and Zhang watched him leave, and saw the moon shining down from above his head, the snow reflecting light from the ground, making Hu Mingzhong's whole body glow, until he flickered and disappeared beyond the gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With Hu Mingzhong's appetite, he'll be a Grand Councilor sooner or later.\" After standing for half a day, Zhang Jun asserted this, then, acting as if nothing had happened, dragged Zhao Ding back to drink in front of everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Sacrificing a new book, \"I'm Really Not a Player, You Know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",6828,"2026-06-06T07:46:04.529Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","03a48cdfe041e1182852ee70f3d68231f50a732ff7181e3eea94bcb9139609d5","shao-song-chapter-393","shao-song-chapter-391",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]