[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-shao-song":3,"chapter-shao-song-shao-song-chapter-447":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},1558613,2024,"Chapter 447: Clear Proof (End of Book)","shao-song-chapter-447",447,"\u003Cp>The autumn wind rustled, the sun warm in the slanting rays, and within the Mingdao Palace in Bozhou, Huainan East Circuit of the Great Song, light and shadow interwove in a crisp, pleasant air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, but at this moment, within this vast complex that served simultaneously as a temple, garden, and imperial palace, armored warriors and nobles in crimson and purple could be seen everywhere, with countless civil and military officials of the Great Song apparently gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among them, the small hill behind the rear hall, the highest point, was especially tightly guarded and orderly. From afar, that already faded yet still symbol of supreme authority, the imperial standard, fluttered in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was exactly the same as ten years ago, and yet everything was utterly different from ten years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the bulletin boards at various passages, the itinerary for this trip had been posted early—very tight: today was the deadline for assembly and arrival, tomorrow would be for burning incense, bathing, and quieting the mind, three days later would be the sacrifice, and after the sacrifice, only one day of rest before another banquet to discuss affairs. The whole affair spanned a mere six or seven days, naturally causing the assembled civil and military officials to buzz with endless discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even major officials like Chen Gui, Liu Ji, and Yan Xiaozhong felt some trepidation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, someone as aged and venerable as Lu Xiang could naturally retire early to rest. Hu Yin was absent, while Zhao Ding and Zhang Jun, the two chancellors, could still stroll leisurely through the gardens as they had ten years ago, with even Lin Jingmo, Minister Lin, filling in to make a group of three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was extremely harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speaking of which, did you two read the final chapter of *Journey to the West: A Miscellany of Demon Subduing*?\" Zhao Ding asked casually as he walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did.\" Zhang Jun laughed openly, ignoring the people still nearby. \"Guanyin said the eighty-one trials were insufficient, then brought out the old turtle turning over, a plot thread hidden for dozens of chapters, revealing the wordless true scriptures… But then Tang Sanzang had a great awakening, saying that even beneath the Buddha's seat they needed bribes to get by, that in the Buddhist kingdom of Tianzhu there were still demons eating people, and only in the Great Tang did the Dragon King rain at the wrong time, yet even the Son of Heaven's plea for leniency failed—truly a land of good governance and strict laws… Clearly, the Dharma had long since spread eastward, Tianzhu was already an empty shell, the true scriptures were in the Eastern Land, and cultivation was right under one's feet… With one word, he attained Buddhahood on the spot… Truly the work of a master… Master Wu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding also stroked his beard and laughed: \"Indeed, it is the work of Master Wu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so the two of them, along with Lin Jingmo, laughed together for a while. After a moment, spotting a stone table and stools beneath a tree's shadow, the three walked over together but, oddly, did not sit down, merely pausing nearby before continuing their idle chat… Those who knew enough to keep their distance had long since moved far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Commandery Prince of Jingsai submitted a memorial opposing this trip?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath the tree's shadow, Chief Chancellor Zhao Ding looked thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun stood with his hands clasped, his expression calm. \"He said that Mingdao Palace was unlucky for His Majesty… that the sacrifice could be performed by the chief ministers on his behalf, and that the proclamation of grace could be done in Dongjing… In short, the memorial forwarded by the Bureau of Military Affairs strongly urged His Majesty not to come here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding nodded, then shook his head: \"And what does the Western Administration think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What could they think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Jun remained composed. \"His Majesty did indeed fall into a well here, and Commandery Prince Yang had some embarrassing matters here as well… When he personally executed Kang Lü that day, I and Lu Xiang were right there, so some misgivings are only natural. However…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, Commandery Prince Yang's memorial did not go through the secret channel but through the Bureau of Military Affairs. What could his intention be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's impossible that he didn't use the secret channel.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then he sent it through both the secret channel and the Bureau of Military Affairs.\" Zhang Jun replied seriously. \"The reaction seems overly exaggerated… Could there be some inside story that you and I don't know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Minister Lin think?\" Zhao Ding hesitated a moment, then looked at Lin Jingmo, who had been silent all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subordinate believes that Commandery Prince Yang, though titled a Commander, is in fact the leader of the inner court officials. Whatever he wants to say and how he says it, His Majesty will handle it… We other ministers need not overthink it.\" Lin Jingmo answered without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think so too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding nodded, letting the matter drop. \"But there's another matter. Have you two heard of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The affair that Moqi Yuanzhong stirred up… He proposed that, as a special case of the Restoration, the four men—Zong, Lü, Wang, and Zhang—be directly elevated to sainthood and deification: Zong and Lü to be enshrined in the Confucian Temple, Wang and Zhang to be deified, with formal titles conferred during this sacrifice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive my bluntness, but that fellow is likely aiming at something else—he wants to elevate these four so they won't compete with everyone else for the eighteen positions… But he's a bit too hasty, and his methods are too crude. How can Lu Xiang, a living man, be ranked alongside three deceased ones? And what about Chancellor Lü in Yanjing? They say this northern expedition has drained him from within, and he may not survive the next winter… Should he be included too? Enshrined in the temple or deified?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think so too. We scholars don't care about noble titles or divine positions. As for the Confucian Temple, it's not about merit but about learning—these things don't match up at all. Speaking privately between us today, if anyone is truly fit for the Confucian Temple, only Lu Xiang has a real chance in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What chance does Lu Xiang have?\" Zhang Jun shook his head with a wry smile. \"But this isn't entirely Moqi Yuanzhong's fault… When the eighteen princes came out, everyone was buzzing with discussion. But now that civil officials are vying for these eighteen positions, everyone thinks there are too few. And Moqi Yuanzhong's contributions are indeed a bit distant… He's not the only one jumping up and down on this matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your subordinates don't think it's necessarily so.\" Just as Zhao and Zhang were discussing this openly, Lin Jingmo, who had been silent behind them, suddenly spoke, causing the two ahead to stop and turn around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does Minister Lin think?\" Zhao Ding asked frankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Coordinator Moqi's move is naturally aimed at something else, but it's not—or rather, not solely—about securing a place among the eighteen meritorious positions.\" Lin Jingmo also stopped, answering fluently with clasped hands. \"Because civil officials are different from military generals, who need battles to re-rank. Over ten years, His Majesty must have already settled on the eighteen meritorious positions in his mind, and external forces can't change that. Moreover, Grand Coordinator Moqi's methods are too crude… Your subordinate ventures to guess that Grand Coordinator Moqi, anticipating that he has little chance of being ranked, is using this to voice his grievances, reminding His Majesty not to forget him, in exchange for tangible benefits!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides the meritorious positions, what else does he want His Majesty not to forget?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Deyuan looked surprised, while Zhao Yuanzhen furrowed his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yanjing.\" Lin Jingmo's gaze swept over the two chancellors as he answered seriously. \"Wasn't there a rumor about moving the capital a few months ago? Compared to posthumous fame, Grand Coordinator Moqi probably wants to take another step forward while he's still alive. If he can seize an opportunity to transfer to Hebei, a chancellorship wouldn't be far off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Chief Chancellor Zhao Ding seemed to have expected it, showing no reaction at all, while Zhang Jun, who had appeared surprised, also listened with unexpected calm, even a bit too calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, the current Privy Council Chancellor and leader of the Wood Faction turned to face the Chief Chancellor, speaking calmly: \"Brother Yuanzhen, in my view, Yanjing is one matter, but not the only matter, because His Majesty has returned… With His Majesty back, there is someone who can make decisions. With His Majesty back, the state will be at peace… If we don't move the capital, we don't move it. But if we truly must move it, His Majesty will surely inform us directly. And when that time comes, would we oppose him? Even if we did, with His Majesty's current prestige, could we succeed? If we stir up something like the Northern Wei's capital relocation, who would be the one disgraced?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing this, Zhao Ding was silent for a moment, then finally nodded slightly. But then he turned and walked deeper into the tree's shadow. Seeing this, Zhang Jun glanced back at Lin Jingmo and then continued to follow calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun was setting in the west, leaving little time for much discussion, and the next day marked the formal beginning of the sacrificial rites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone knew, His Majesty Zhao was particularly absurd in certain matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He liked to elevate people to divine status, liked to personally write strange ghost and god stories, but he himself had little respect for gods or sacrifices… In the past, scraping the gold off the statues of the Dao Ancestor and the Buddha was one thing—that was truly out of desperate necessity… But not to mention anything else, just a few months ago, when he went to Chrysanthemum Island, he walked in and asked the abbot of the seventy-to-eighty-year-old imperially built Great Dragon Palace Temple what 'imperially built' meant, whether the water from the octagonal well could grant immortality, and how long a few fish thrown in would live, driving the elderly abbot to tears—that was hardly something an ordinary emperor would do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the present, although His Majesty Zhao kept saying he was grateful for the Dao Ancestor's blessing, which had enabled the achievements of ten years, and thus returned to fulfill a long-held wish, when it came to the actual sacrifice, he was perfunctory… The first three days of bathing and changing clothes were highly improper; during that time, he even rode out to the Guohe River to shoot ducks. When the formal sacrifice began three days later, he merely wore that old inherited ceremonial robe, clasped his hands like a shopkeeper, and let Lü Haowen, Zhao Ding, Lü Benzhong, Yang Yizhong, and others handle everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it was finally his turn, His Majesty simply went up, lit a stick of incense before the altar outside the Xuanyuan Hall and before the golden statue of the Dao Ancestor inside the Xuanyuan Hall, and that was that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only say it was fortunate he didn't smear a handful of incense ash on the Dao Ancestor's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another day passed, His Majesty directly issued an edict to hold a banquet and discuss affairs right on the altar platform in the Xuanyuan Hall courtyard… None of the officials dared to offer remonstrance, simply going along with His Majesty's farce. In fact, quite a few shameless fellows cited classics and precedents, insisting that this was perfectly proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be fair, the banquet's scale was still very high. Apart from essential close ministers, civil officials needed experience as a high-ranking minister in the central Secretariat or as a local Grand Coordinator, while military generals had to be at least Commandery Princes. It seemed this banquet truly would decide many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And His Majesty did not disappoint everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, the sky was clear for a thousand miles, the autumn air crisp and refreshing. Just as the banquet began, before anyone was tipsy, His Majesty Zhao directly got down to business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ministers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated on the raised ground before the platform, Zhao Jiu raised his cup and drank, then spoke with a smile. \"The *Laozi* says: 'When the work is accomplished and the matter completed, the people all say, \"We did it naturally.\"' When the late Emperor Zhaolie of Han ascended as Prince of Hanzhong, he also said: 'Then the work will be accomplished and the task completed, and your ministers will retire to await punishment for their faults, dying without regret.' But that was for sages and illustrious princes—we cannot compare… Why did we come here to sacrifice? Was it not because, ten years ago in autumn, we made the decision here not to go to Yangzhou, but instead to grit our teeth and resist the Jin? Now that the Jin state has been annihilated and the northern border pacified, the work is accomplished and the matter completed. So we have returned to report to the Dao Ancestor… Now that the sacrifice is over, there are some matters we need not be modest about… Lu Xiang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your old servant is here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man closest to Zhao Jiu immediately rose from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu poured himself another cup of wine, merely raising it in a toast. \"Let us discuss heroes over wine from our seats… For the military generals, military merit is already settled… Let us speak of the merit of policy-making. Lu Xiang, in your opinion, over these ten years of the Jianyan era, who holds the foremost merit in policy-making?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The courtyard suddenly fell silent, with only the sound of autumn cicadas and the rustling of autumn trees clearly audible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Haowen sat back down, equally composed: \"Your servant has heard that everything has a beginning. In the days of the Jingkang disaster, the realm was in despair. Those who advocated peace and those who sought to retreat were countless, and men like your servant were at a loss. At that time, it was Chancellor Li Gang and Defender-in-Chief Zong Ze, one inside the court and one outside, who resolutely set aside all objections and insisted on resisting the Jin. Not only that, but when His Majesty first ascended the throne and was wandering in exile, without Chancellor Li re-establishing the court at the temporary palace, the government could not have been restored; without Defender-in-Chief Zong holding firm in Dongjing, the Central Plains would have been lost, and the state would have had no hope… These two men were the red banners of resistance against the Jin, the backbone of the nation… Their merit is beyond words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well said. Without Li and Zong holding that line in decision-making, the state would have been lost long ago, and none of what came later would have happened... Zong Zhongwu was older, and he had already given his all until death, so let Zong Zhongwu be first and Li Gongxiang second.\" With these words, Zhao Jiu raised his cup and looked around. \"Ministers, let us drink a full toast to these two banners of resistance against the Jin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others dared not delay, and even Li Yanxian, who had hurried back from Taiyuan and was wanted under Li Gang's orders, calmly raised his cup — in truth, among the civil officials, while on the surface it was hard to rank them as none was clearly first, as Lin Jingmo had said, everyone had a scale in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the special nature of the Grand Councilor positions was also clear. So for the eighteen slots, most people had a good idea of the candidates; it was only the last few positions that invited some discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, after Lu Haowen proposed Zong Ze and Li Gang, Zhao Ding then put forward five names: Lu Haowen, Lu Yihao, Wang Boyan, Yuwen Xuzhong, and Xu Jingheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These five had become Grand Councilors during the Nanyang period, the ministers who actually maintained the state's operations and the cause of resisting the Jin during the most difficult early days... they could not be left out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Zhang Jun then added the name of Zhang Suo, who had died for the state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it was Liu Ji's turn to speak, the Vice Grand Councilor was somewhat unexpected. He passed over himself and Chen Gui, and instead proposed four names together: Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Hu Yin, and Lin Jingmo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reasoning was that these four had been the backbone of resistance serving before the imperial presence since Mount Bagong, the Emperor's right arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Chen Gui then took the opportunity to add Liu Ziyu, who had joined after Mount Bagong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next came Lin Jingmo and Liu Ziyu's turns to speak. Naturally, they returned the favor, each putting forward one name — pushing Liu Ji and Chen Gui, the two Nanyang-system Grand Councilors, forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this point, there were already a full fifteen people. No wonder even Moqi Xie dared not seek such a position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it was the last three that inevitably stirred greater controversy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone proposed Wang Shu, on the grounds that Wang Shu not only held a firm stance against the Jin, but had also been the military-political leader of Guanzhong before the court took control of the region... and someone even directly pointed out the incident where Qu Duan had intimidated Wang Shu, and how Wang Shu had held his ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Qu Duan had remained in Yanyun, or else this would have been another awkward situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone also proposed Hu Hongxiu, arguing that Hu Hongxiu had performed extraordinary feats in Xixia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still others proposed Li Guang and Ma Shen, and someone proposed Liu Hongdao, who was serving as Pacification Commissioner in the northern frontier, and even someone brought up Zhang Que, who had died in Huainan after Mount Bagong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, even Zhang Jun, who had traveled the same road, could not help but interject, inappropriately mentioning Moqi Xie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, to these suggestions, the Zhao Emperor merely poured his own wine and let the debate rage, only finally waving his hand to give the final verdict: \"What you've all said is not wrong... but if I put everyone on, it would be too indiscriminate... My view is that Wang Shu can be included. Otherwise, if Qu Duan is enfeoffed as a Prince and Wang Shu is left out, how could that win people's hearts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most nodded. This was indeed a problem... it wasn't just about internal civil official merit and seniority; the factors on the military side also had to be considered. Besides Wang Shu, the most obvious other example was that Lin Jingmo and Hu Yin were the 'guarantors' of Zhang Rong and Yue Fei respectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Wang Shu himself was only second to the Grand Councilors in terms of seniority, position, and merit, and he was also one of the less controversial figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Censorate cannot be left without a position.\" Zhao Jiu continued drinking a cup of wine before pointing a finger at someone in the gathering. \"If the Censor-in-Chief were not constantly there to issue warnings, the state might well fall into a purely military posture, losing all proper order... Censor-in-Chief Li is worthy of this role.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Li Guang did not object at all. Instead, he directly rose to thank the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the side, Ma Shen, knowing that with Li Guang in place, he had likely lost his own chance, could not help but feel a slight gloom in his heart, even though he prided himself on not being a man of empty fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, the Zhao Emperor's gaze swept over Ma Shen. He continued to pour himself a cup of wine, but then paused: \"Ministers, what we are discussing today is the merit of the ten years of the Jianyan era, the merit of resisting the Jin and restoring the Song. As for Zhang Que, Lord Zhang, and even earlier figures like Zhang Shuye and Liu Ge, they are certainly martyrs, but there is no need to squeeze them in here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone nodded in agreement. This seemed only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the remaining slot, I want to give it to Liu Hongdao.\" Zhao Jiu drank this cup of wine and finally made up his mind. \"It's not that Hu Hongxiu's merit is insufficient, but I want to use his Xixia feat to let him hold the line, to prevent others from being dissatisfied... Besides, Grand Coordinator Hu is still young. This court will have much use for border affairs in the future, and his future prospects are assured... As for Commissioner Liu, from the great defeat in Qingzhou onward, through countless hardships, defeats and victories, people's livelihood and logistics, he has traversed rivers and seas over ten years, going north and south, always holding a firm stance and contributing greatly. He too deserves recognition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these words, the eighteen were all listed. Among the officials present, those without a position showed much disappointment, but also some relief... this matter had been tormenting them for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These eighteen, in order, are: Zong Ze, Li Gang, Lu Haowen, Lu Yihao, Wang Boyan, Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Hu Yin, Yuwen Xuzhong, Xu Jingheng, Liu Ji, Chen Gui, Zhang Suo, Lin Jingmo, Liu Ziyu, Wang Shu, Li Guang, Liu Hongdao.\" After reciting them in order, Zhao Jiu said solemnly, \"Instruct the Ministry of Rites to prepare. The Grand Councilors are all to be enfeoffed as Princes of the Blood, and the rest as Commandery Princes... none of you should decline. This is what you deserve... The Commanders below and other meritorious officials are also to be given Dukes, Marquises, and Earls... Then, for the thirty-six civil and military ministers, biographies shall be written and portraits preserved, divided into two sets — one set to be hung in the Secret Pavilion, and the other to be hung in the Yanjing Chancellery.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene suddenly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know what you want to ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Zhao Ding was about to rise, Zhao Jiu waved his hand directly. \"That's right, I have made up my mind to move the capital to Yanjing... There are three reasons. First, after ten years of war and devastation, the northern population has been lost and the economy weakened. If the central government cannot adopt an absolute posture, I fear the north can never be truly revitalized from its roots.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone sat with their hands folded, silent and motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, a blank slate makes for easy painting. This dynasty has many chronic ills, which led to the Jingkang Disaster. I wish to restore the old Song and establish a new Song, so I must find a way to shake off the complexities of the old dynasty... The north has been cleaned out exceptionally thoroughly this time. The circuits of Hebei are mostly good families and self-cultivating farmers, with no room left for multi-generational clans or prefecture-spanning landlords... After moving to Yanjing, the surrounding area will also be cleaner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone seemed about to speak, but in the end said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the last reason, Yanjing is the head of Hebei. Just as the southeast is the state's source of wealth and taxes, Hebei is where the state's military strength is concentrated... If we do not firmly control Hebei, how can we bring peace to the northern frontier?\" Zhao Jiu looked around at everyone. \"In the end, have you ministers considered this? We spent ten years winning this war, and then what? Will the world be at peace after that? What if the Mongols rise? What if the Bohai people make trouble? What about the Wild Jurchens?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere froze completely. Civil and military alike, from Lu Haowen to Han Shizhong, all sat upright, ears pricked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Zhao Emperor seemed to be feeling the effects of the wine, his words gradually carrying more emotion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is everyone thinking? Ten years ago at this very place, we were a pack of stray dogs, panicked and desperate, on the verge of losing the state. I wanted to change a single mindset, to turn back and resist, and I had to kill the chief eunuch of the Inner Palace and exile the reigning Grand Councilor to do it... And today, we are recording merits and celebrating, but we are only celebrating having survived this national war. Does winning the Song-Jin war mean everything will be peaceful from now on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earlier on Chrysanthemum Island, I issued the Imperial Edicts... At the time, I could already sense the thoughts of those northern frontier tribes. They simply think, 'You are strong for a while, so I will be cautious for a while.' In the long run, who takes those things to heart? Even I — do I really expect to use a few edicts to establish a foundation for ten thousand generations? No, I am merely using this great victory to first set a framework, to stabilize things, so that I can turn my attention to internal governance... Only when we ourselves are strong can everything be settled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And how do we begin internal governance? It still requires you ministers and senior officials — that is, the Grand Councilors leading the Secret Pavilion and the Public Pavilion to shoulder the state, and then I will take the lead in doing the most important things that require my presence to hold the line, just like the past ten years...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, repair the rivers. But it is not only about repairing the rivers. We must use the river repairs to gradually and imperceptibly carry out the troop reductions and the capital relocation...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The capital relocation does not have to happen all at once. There is no need. Lord Lu's health is failing; he can hand over his position as Privy Councilor to Liangchen. Hu Yin can be given the additional title of Vice Grand Councilor under the pretext of assisting with the river repairs, and they can both take up residence in Yanjing. We will take it slowly. If the repairs go quickly, three to five years; if slowly, eight to ten years. Then we can gradually move the Secret Pavilion to Yanjing or to my side. We can also publish a court gazette in Hebei. Newly passed jinshi can follow me to Hebei for their examinations... When the river repairs are finished, and everyone is used to it, then we can formally move the capital...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thirty thousand armored soldiers in the Imperial Camp is too many. With the Jurchens' twenty Battalion Commander gone, why keep so many combat troops? Convert some to garrison forces. First reduce the Imperial Camp to twenty thousand. Three to four thousand at Liaoyang beyond the frontier is enough. Five thousand in Yanjing, ten to twenty thousand in the Central Plains, twenty to thirty thousand in Hedong, twenty to thirty thousand in Guanxi, ten to twenty thousand scattered in the southeast. Maintain the inland river navies at the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. As for the navy, it can be expanded...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And by reducing troops, we can gradually reduce the surtaxes and extra levies in the south. Otherwise, my heart can never be at ease...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"River repairs, troop reductions, capital relocation — at the same time, strengthen control over the surrounding states. This is also to let the interior rest and recuperate. Then, depending on our internal foundation in the future, we can tentatively consider how to turn the three Imperial Edicts from three pieces of blank paper into genuine appointed officials... Where we can control, we control; where we can use loose rein, we use loose rein; where we can appoint officials, we appoint officials. Where Buddhism should spread, let it spread; where Confucianism should be promoted, promote it. But we must always act within our means. If we take too big a step, we'll strain ourselves!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, everyone was certain: the Emperor was indeed drunk. But not a single person dared to take these words as mere drunken rambling. On the contrary, from Lu Haowen, who had long since faded from power, to Han Shizhong, who had just been personally selected as a formal deputy national leader, completing his transition from general to minister, all pricked up their ears, as serious as could be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu poured himself another cup of wine, but found the flagon empty. The eunuch Feng Yi, who had just returned to the Emperor's side, quickly offered another, only to be dismissed by the Zhao Emperor with a hint of impatience:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Compared to the northern frontier, with the Western Liao, once the state is slightly stabilized, we can directly and righteously demand the six prefectures of Hexi, pushing our borders to the Yumen Pass. Yelu Dashi will not refuse, and dare not refuse... And if my guess is not wrong, within my lifetime, I will both see Yelu Dashi rampaging across the Western Regions for ten thousand li, and see the state gradually decline after his death... In the past, Han Wudi took the Western Regions and the Xiongnu were destroyed. If one day truly comes, it is not impossible to take the Western Regions to flank the northern frontier and stabilize Qingtang... But that is far off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now, once Hexi is in hand, we can begin to manage the Western Regions, and also gradually nourish Qingtang, which has been shattered into pieces. That place is too poor, and its geography is extreme, but it can serve as a barrier and an outer line. After supporting it for a while, if we can extend our reach to the Greater and Lesser Jinchuan, then in the southwest, with Dali, we might truly have an opportunity to act...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the southeast, with Vietnam, it depends on the development of maritime trade. Only with a strong navy can we proceed. And truly, there is no need to think about annexation or appointing officials. In my view, the most important thing with Vietnam is the trade in cloth and rice. Whether we maintain the status quo or use force to annex, we must first ensure that Vietnam's rice can be shipped to the southeast via maritime trade...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, as I said, opportunities always exist. But all of this must follow steps, geography, benefits, and acting within our means... Where we can avoid using large military force, we should avoid it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is only one place where I have made up my mind, where I will not hesitate to use great military force, and it is not outside, but inside... In the south, land annexation must be suppressed! It must be brought into line with Hebei and the Central Plains. I dare not say that the rise and fall of a dynasty is entirely decided by this, but at the very least, it is an important lesson from the Jingkang Disaster, isn't it? How long has it been since Fang La and Zhong Xiang? So, whoever dares to annex land, whoever dares to dream of owning a hundred thousand mu of fields, I will 'annihilate' him just as I did the Wanyan clan of the Jurchens!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In summary, internally: move the capital, reduce troops, let the people rest and recuperate, suppress land annexation, encourage commerce, especially maritime trade, and at the same time, do our utmost to repair the rivers and promote the Original Learning. Externally: appropriately strengthen control over the northern frontier, pursue large-scale peaceful expansion to the west, and try to avoid using large military force as much as possible... This is the grand strategy for the next twenty, or even thirty years... at least until my death. I don't know how much of it can be accomplished, or how much will succeed... Gentlemen, the old Song's grudges are settled. The new Song's journey is about to begin. Does anyone have any doubts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though your servant is old and decrepit, I am willing to follow Your Majesty on this new journey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, the ministers' reactions varied. But soon, led by the quick-to-react Lu Haowen, Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Han Shizhong, Li Yanxian, and all the civil and military officials below them, without a moment's delay, rose one after another. There, before the altar in front of the Xuanyuan Hall, they first waited for Lu Haowen to speak, and then all bowed in a mountain-shaking chorus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They proclaimed: Willing to follow Your Majesty on this new journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, not a single person dared to show any hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with this, everyone understood that this was the true core of the Mingdao Palace sacrificial ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All rise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu laughed on the spot. After everyone had sat back down, he spoke with emotion again. \"Are there still some among you who thought I would slack off from governance from now on? Are there some who think I am being too meddlesome? Are there some who think I want to do too much, and that following me in the future will be too hard, to the point of feeling timid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Your Majesty know, Your servant did indeed feel a moment of fear just now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the atmosphere had completely settled, the Grand Coordinator of Jingdong West Circuit, Mo Qixie, who sat at the lowest position, seized the opportunity to speak teasingly. \"But when I think that even through the harsh and bitter trials of the past ten years, Your Majesty led us through them... even if the road ahead is harder, what is there to fear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu laughed heartily again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his laugh, this Emperor turned his head, looked back at the Xuanyuan Hall behind him, and then seemed thoughtful: \"Speaking of which, I've had too much to drink and my tongue is loose. I was so caught up in talking that I almost forgot one thing. Fortunately, Grand Coordinator Mo reminded me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd quickly put on a serious expression, but after experiencing that talk of a twenty-year small goal earlier, this seriousness had a somewhat performative air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, I too once felt fear.\" Zhao Jiu spoke earnestly. \"But there's no choice. Since I occupy this position, I must understand that the road lies ahead, and not walking it is not an option... not walking it would be to betray the people of the realm... You are the same. Do not think that because you have ten years of meritorious service, you can indulge freely, or even go against the great tide... After all we've been through, don't you understand? So-called heroes of the age are merely mortals. If a mortal grits their teeth and takes one step forward, they become a hero of the moment. So never become self-righteous because of your achievements.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty is always ahead of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Shizhong, alert in his heart, immediately declared his stance. \"Your servants would never betray Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not about betraying me. And the Emperor is the Emperor, Zhao Jiu is Zhao Jiu. The former is the position, the latter is the person. Yet the position must be occupied by a person.\" Zhao Jiu looked at his most trusted military official and shook his head. \"I said there was one more thing, not to admonish you, nor even to encourage myself. It's just a principle, a concern, stuck in my throat. If I don't speak it out today, don't make you understand, don't make my own stance clear, I'll feel uncomfortable. But if I say it directly, I'm afraid few will remember it deeply, and I myself might become complacent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty may speak directly. Your servants will all remember it carefully.\" Li Yanxian also immediately rose and cupped his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's not speak directly yet. Let me first ask a question...\" Zhao Jiu smiled again, but then poured himself another cup of wine. \"We just established the eighteen meritorious policy-setters for the decade of Jianyan, and even ranked them... So I ask you, worthy ministers, in the decisive victory of Jianyan, was the merit of all thirty-six of you civil and military officials combined greater, or was my merit greater?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yanxian and Han Shizhong found it hard to speak, instinctively looking toward the several chancellors. In the somewhat silent front courtyard of Xuanyuan Hall, Lü Haowen hesitated for a moment, then finally stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant ventures to speak. Since ancient times, it has been said that grace comes from above. Your servant believes that merit should also come from above...\" Lü Haowen's words were somewhat cautious. \"The meritorious ministers' contributions are certainly immense, but Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, receiving the mandate from Heaven. In the ten glorious years of Jianyan, if Your Majesty had not occupied the position, set the policies, guided and led, making the realm resist the Jin, and at the same time appointed your servants, where would your servants' merits be? More than half of your servants' merits should be attributed to Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That makes sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu nodded, but then asked seriously again. \"But if that's the case, then the hundred Commanders and the hundreds of prefectural and county officials, combined, are not as great as the thirty-six meritorious ministers? After all, if the thirty-six policy-setting and military meritorious ministers were not at the top, how could those below do their work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, this is different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ding quickly rose and took over the conversation. \"The Commanders and prefectural and county officials were also appointed by Your Majesty. They certainly listen to the words of us chancellors and marshals, but they must also understand Your Majesty's resolve and know Your Majesty's rewards and punishments... And when we chancellors and marshals handle rewards and punishments, we are merely using Your Majesty's strategies and authority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, my merit is still the greatest?\" Zhao Jiu tried to smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\" Zhao Ding forced himself to reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\" Zhao Jiu nodded and continued to pour himself another cup of wine. \"But I still don't understand... I was merely sitting under the dragon banner, pointing out the direction. At Yaoshan, at Huolu, it was the same. To say I had no guiding or exemplary merit would be nonsense. But thousands of troops swept through, tens of thousands fought to the death, tens of thousands of armored men perished in a single battle, and hundreds of thousands of the realm's elite fell like an avalanche. How could it possibly be merit achieved by me sitting there alone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Your Majesty know, Your Majesty is the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, possessing all within the four seas.\" Zhang Jun also had to rise now. \"And an Emperor is the master of all living things, the source of prosperity and benefit... For some things, Your Majesty sitting there is enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That seems to have some logic.\" Zhao Jiu nodded, drank his wine in one gulp, but then shook his head again and pointed to the Xuanyuan Hall behind him. \"But if that's the case, how do you explain the one behind?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The several chancellors, along with the two marshals, were all stunned for a moment, not reacting immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He also just sits there...\" Zhao Jiu continued, pointing behind him. \"And he sits higher than me, closer to Heaven and Earth. So wouldn't that mean that all our ten years of achievement should be attributed to him? And if you think about it carefully, didn't we just perform a grand ceremony and bow to him the day before yesterday, thanking him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd looked up blankly, only then realizing what the Emperor was talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them was Xuanyuan Hall, and in Xuanyuan Hall sat Li Er. Of course, Li Er was just a name, an incarnation of the Dao Ancestor. The Dao Ancestor was the Dao itself! The embodiment of the fundamental Way of all things in Heaven and Earth!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor possessed all within the four seas, but the four seas were bestowed by the Dao Ancestor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor was the Son of Heaven, but the Dao Ancestor himself encompassed Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a truth known to all, and from this logic, the words of Emperor Zhao seemed to make sense...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, and this is the but, everyone knew that was just a wooden statue painted with gold powder!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the chancellors were somewhat dazed, another person tremblingly rose. It was the Commandery Prince of Jingsai, Yang Yizhong. The latter bowed his head earnestly. \"Your Majesty is the Emperor, the Dao Ancestor is an immortal. The two do not hinder each other. Please do not dwell on these matters...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Immortal! Emperor! Chancellor! Marshal!\" Zhao Jiu sighed deeply, then stood up and turned to look at the other Commandery Prince, Liu Yan. \"Pingfu, for me, please invite out the one sitting in the hall...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yizhong looked up, his face pale; while Lü Haowen, Zhao Ding, and seven or eight civil officials in the seats, such as Lin Jingmo, who were quick-witted, all looked up and stared fixedly at Emperor Zhao, as if deep in thought. As for Liu Yan, he was just as bewildered as the others, but without much concern. Having received the imperial decree, he immediately gave the signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Guards, though not understanding what madness the Emperor's drunkenness had brought, would not hesitate over a wooden statue. Even if the Dao Ancestor truly took offense, he couldn't bypass the Emperor to blame them, could he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, after a short while, a huge wooden statue, clearly freshly painted with gold powder and having received incense offerings just yesterday, was carried out and placed on the empty altar behind Emperor Zhao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu poured himself another cup of wine, drank it all, then stood up drunkenly and ordered an Imperial Guard: \"For me, fetch an axe from the woodshed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The already tipsy crowd felt a buzz in their heads, almost all staring in shock, then panicking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the one who reacted most strongly was the Commandery Prince of Jingsai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yizhong, disregarding everything, stepped directly out of line and onto the steps between Emperor Zhao and the wooden statue. Then he knelt sideways, kowtowing. \"Things have come to this point, why must Your Majesty dwell on it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhengfu, I am not dwelling on it. I just want to do a little Yuanschool experiment in front of all of you.\" Zhao Jiu smiled again. \"If I don't do this experiment, I won't feel right in my heart... Think about it, it was us, it was the people of the realm who worked hard for ten years. But according to the logic of the chancellors, in the end, all the credit goes to this wooden statue of his? That's not fair!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming to their senses, some tried to agree but immediately shut their mouths, some already had ashen faces, some were flushed red, and others watched with the relief of a boot finally dropping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was still Yang Yizhong who was the most tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, when the Imperial Guard brought the wood-chopping axe, Yang Yizhong snatched it first, knelt again, and spoke earnestly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty! If Your Majesty insists on doing this, your servant is willing to do it on your behalf!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your servant is also willing to do it on your behalf.\" Han Shizhong, though not fully understanding, immediately followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need... Zhengfu.\" Zhao Jiu shook his head and reached out his hand. \"I would rather suffer Heaven's punishment today than not do it myself... And can you really bear to see me keep dodging like this? Give it to me... Give it to me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Yizhong hesitated for a moment, but finally, flustered and distressed, handed over the axe, almost in tears. Just then, Zhang Jun also suddenly became alarmed, causing the 'unsuccessful substitute' Han Shizhong beside him to look at him in surprise—wasn't it just the Emperor, in a drunken fit, chopping an immortal's wooden statue? Could he really suffer Heaven's punishment for that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were the case, then he, Han Wu the Rogue, should have been punished thirty years ago in Yan'an Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was wrong with each and every one of them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before many could think further, Zhao Jiu had already taken the axe, gritted his teeth again, and finally, fueled by the alcohol, walked forward. Only when he reached the front of the statue did he pause to remark:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old man... whether you have a spirit or not... I have finally achieved my task and come to see you today... Do what you will, I am going to strike anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said this, Zhao Jiu placed one foot on the statue's knee, swung the axe, and, pushing off with half his body, struck directly at the Dao Ancestor wooden statue's forehead with all his might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blow was extremely heavy, and the axe wedged directly into the forehead, unable to be pulled out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Jiu tried twice, then gave up, jumped down, stomped his feet hard on the ground, and then looked up at the sky above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no change in the heavens. It was still an autumn breeze, a warm setting sun. Only Yang Yizhong, who had followed him up, was sitting beside him, drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bullshit immortal Emperor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Zhao Jiu, also drenched in sweat, muttered softly. Though his voice was low, it was enough to fall into the ears of all the important ministers in the deathly silent courtyard. Turning around, this Emperor pointed at the wooden statue with the axe embedded in its forehead and smiled down at the crowd. \"Ministers, it seems the Dao Ancestor is reasonable. He knows that the credit still belongs to us mortals, so he did not get angry... But you, do not learn from me. Because I have not yet attained the true fruit, nor do I have such magnanimity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said this, the Emperor threw his head back and laughed. He laughed for a long time, laughed until tears came out, laughed until several people in the seats tried several times to join in the laughter but could not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And finally, Zhao Jiu finally stopped smiling, then, with the wine still on him, in front of the statue that had taken an axe blow to the forehead, he declared solemnly and loudly: \"My lords, I have just proven one thing—that the achievement of destroying Jin and restoring Song that we have accomplished over the past ten years was not some heavenly grace or sacred will... at the very least, it was not primarily heavenly grace or sacred will... What truly led to this magnificent achievement was, in the end, you—all the Song people under heaven! The living, the dead, those who came, those who did not! All of you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Haowen had been ready to lead the response again, but for some reason—perhaps because he was old and frail, perhaps because he had drunk a few cups of wine—when he heard His Majesty's drunken words, this Grand Councilor of the court suddenly felt a sting in his nose and lost his composure for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But His Majesty Zhao did not mind at all. Having spoken, he turned back and signaled to Yang Yizhong: \"Chop this wooden statue to pieces and fill the well in the back courtyard with it—don't delay everyone's feasting! As for you, my lords, return to your seats. Today we will speak no more of the future, nor dwell on the past. Let us only close the gates and indulge ourselves wildly, celebrating victory and merit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the crowd erupt in noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh, a gentle breeze blew pleasantly. The Jianyan Emperor got thoroughly drunk at the Mingdao Palace, and only returned to the Eastern Capital three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the day of his return to the capital, the little newspaper of Hanlin Academician Lü Benzhong published a new \"Waves Scouring the Sand\" that His Majesty had composed on Chrysanthemum Island the month before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lyrics read:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A great rain falls on Youyan,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White waves surge to the sky,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fishing boats off Qinhuang Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast expanse of ocean, nothing in sight—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knows where they have gone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thousand years of events have passed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Wu cracked his whip,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eastward at Jieshi he left a poem behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bleak autumn wind blows again today,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the world has changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end of the entire book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Thank you to the great slyshen for yet another generous donation.\u003C\u002Fp>",8109,"2026-06-06T07:46:32.508Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","f6f32e7397b5ec4f5298b5a9d445a80545594aef8b923e572edf2cb90561bb8a","shao-song-chapter-448","shao-song-chapter-446",489,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fshao-song-cover.jpg"]