I studied in modern times

Chapter 1040 A Grand Reward for Soldiers and Civilians
With Zhang Shun's example in mind, the subsequent competition became even more intense and exciting.

The audience on the shore were thoroughly entertained.

Even the civil and military officials on the dragon boat were full of praise.

Soon, the winner of the second competition emerged.

This time they're praising the Japanese army!

Zhao Xu was also very happy to see this.

Because praising the Japanese army's name is very good.

The term "holding up the sun" refers to protecting the saint on both sides, as if holding up the great sun!

Its predecessor was the Xiaodi Army of the Later Zhou Dynasty, which was the most loyal and closest of the direct descendants of Guo Wei, the founding emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty.

During the Later Zhou Dynasty, this force was the personal guard that protected the imperial city and served as the royal family's personal attendants.

During the reign of Emperor Shizong of Later Zhou, Chai Rong, the military system was reorganized, and the Xiaodi Army was transformed into the elite cavalry of Later Zhou, renamed the Iron Cavalry, and incorporated into the Imperial Guard.

From then on, the Iron Cavalry became Chai Rong's trump card, accompanying him in his campaigns across the north and south, and establishing numerous military achievements.

His successive commanders were all close relatives of the royal family—Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde.

Because this elite force had too deep a connection with the Later Zhou dynasty, both Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong tried every means to sever the ties between the Iron Cavalry and the Later Zhou.

Therefore, it was continuously modified and disassembled.

During the Taiping Xingguo era, the Iron Cavalry was renamed the Sun Cavalry, and five commanders were stationed in Zhengzhou, Yongqiu and other places. During the Yongxi era, the name was changed to "Pengri" (捧日), and sand was added to it.

Add the Sun-Piercing Straight-line Army (infantry spearmen), the Sun-Piercing Left-Handed Archers (all left-handed archers), and the Sun-Piercing Crossbowmen (infantry crossbowmen).

They took a perfectly good elite cavalry unit and forcibly de-cavalried it.

Now, only two command units remain among the cavalry that supported the Japanese army.

Moreover, due to their long absence from battle, the two cavalrymen in command had little fighting ability left.

Anyway, Shi Deyi said that the Japanese cavalry didn't even have enough horses yet.

In this bidding war, the Japanese army won the second bid.

Zhao Xu was very happy.

Because this could very well mean that there is still hope for the Japanese army.

At least, they still have spirit!
If such an elite force with a rich historical background can be reorganized and revitalized, it would be a good thing for the country.

Moreover, its military name is "Holding Up the Sun"!

In Zhao Xu's view, this should be the strong army that paves the way for his future inspections of local areas and his efforts to appease the people!
"This is a gift from heaven!"

He then rose again, and surrounded by the imperial guards, went to the front of the palace to congratulate the champions.

Beneath the enormous dragon boat, on the clear lake surface, a small tiger-head boat is already moored.

The Japanese officers and soldiers, wearing blue and red headscarves, were already kneeling on the ship.

"Your Majesty, I, Chen Qingsun, Deputy Commander of the Third Army of the Left Wing of the Japanese Army, respectfully wish Your Majesty a long and healthy life!"

Just as Zhao Xu was about to speak, Yan Yuan's familiar voice came from beside him: "Your Majesty, Liu Qingsun is the grandson of the late Duke Zhuangwu, who was posthumously granted the title of Military Governor of Shuofang..."

Zhao Xu narrowed his eyes: "Liu Zhuangwu?"

"Yes……"

He looked at the captain prostrating himself on the tiger-headed boat.

His body was trembling.

Clearly, he was very uneasy, even fearful.

Because he knew his background.

Liu Ping's grandson!

Liu Ping, the one whose entire army was wiped out at Sanchuankou back then.

Liu Ping, who did not die fighting for his country but was captured by the enemy after exhausting his strength, eventually died peacefully in Western Xia.

The key point is that Liu Ping was not entirely a military officer.

He was originally a civil official who passed the imperial examination, but later changed his status to a military officer.

As a civil official, regardless of any difficulties or unspeakable secrets he may have.

To fail to die for one's country and instead be captured by the enemy is itself a breach of integrity.

Moreover, after being captured and in the enemy camp, he did not seek death, but instead lived on for more than ten years.

This is...

This was extremely embarrassing for the imperial court.

Therefore, although Liu Ping was posthumously awarded the title of military governor and a posthumous honorific, he was not granted these honors.

However, the Song Dynasty court always treated it as nothing.

At the same time, all people associated with Liu Ping were blacklisted, and theoretically, they had no chance of being promoted.

For example, Liu Jisun, a close friend of Su Shi, could only serve as a mid-level officer in the Xuan Yi Army in Zhao Xu's previous life.

Zhao Xu asked expressionlessly, "Who recommended you?"

The deputy commander was the second-in-command of the capital, and the Japanese army was one of the four imperial guards.

One of the two was appointed to a prefecture or county, where he could serve as the military commander or deputy commander of a prefecture.

This would qualify him for the military rank of Dongtou Gongfengguan (from the eighth rank).

The Eastern Head Attendant was the highest rank among the minor envoys, only one rank above the Deputy Attendant of the Supply Depot.

For military officials, this is similar to how civil officials undergo three terms and six examinations to be selected for the two official positions.

There is only a thin membrane separating it from the ceiling.

Beyond that lies a whole new world.

That's why Zhao Xu wanted to ask who recommended him.

Without the guarantor of the Three Military Commands, neither the Privy Council nor the Three Military Commands could have granted this official position to the Liu family.

Yan Yuan bowed his head and replied, "Your Majesty, Liu Qingsun was a former subordinate of Chancellor Zhang Dun who distinguished himself in the southern campaign. He was recommended by Chancellor Zhang Dun and appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Army that supports the Japanese army!"

"Military achievements in the southern campaign?" Zhao Xu frowned. "What achievements?"

"Your Majesty, it is said that the first to storm the stronghold of the bandit Yang in Jiaozhi, Guangyuan Prefecture, and kill Yang's cousin, the false prefect of Guangyuan Prefecture, Yang Jingyun, is hereby reported as the first..."

"First to charge... to slay the enemy general..." Zhao Xu rubbed his hands together.

Throughout history, extraordinary military feats have included being the first to scale enemy lines, beheading enemy generals, capturing flags, and breaking through enemy lines.

First to arrive is the priority!

Being the first to scale the walls tests not only courage and strategy, but also one's fate—historically, the casualty rate for those who are the first to scale the walls is the highest in the military!

Of those who charged first, eight or nine out of ten died on the battlefield.

Generals like Fan Kuai and Zhang Liao, who could charge into battle as easily as eating and drinking, were few and far between throughout history.

Moreover, Liu Qingsun, besides being the first to charge into battle, also had the merit of beheading a general.

Ranking it first is indeed indisputable.

"Why weren't you selected as the top general of the Imperial Dragon?" Zhao Xu asked.

"The army dares not..."

Zhao Xu smiled. He had originally wanted to ask why it wasn't reported, but after thinking about it, he decided not to expose the truth to avoid making things awkward for everyone—if Yan Yuan knew about this, how could Yan Da not know? How could Li Qingchen, the Privy Councilor, not know?

Moreover, it also involves Zhang Dun.

Zhao Xu didn't want to invite trouble.

Then, he burst into laughter: "He's truly a hero of my family!"

Then he said to Yan Yuan, "Yan Qing, bring me my bow!"

"promise!"

A finely crafted horn bow, inlaid with gold and gemstones, was brought by Yan Yuan and presented to the emperor.

This was presented by the Imperial Workshop after Zhao Xu began practicing archery.

The real royal bow!

It's not one of those jade pendants that were mass-produced and bestowed upon people.

"And bestow this bow upon me a hero!" Zhao Xu commanded.

"promise!"

"In addition..." Zhao Xu glanced at the soldiers on the tiger-head ship: "Those who win the championship for the Japanese army will be rewarded with 100 strings of cash and 5 bolts of cotton cloth!"

"only!"

"Long live the Emperor!" The soldiers on the tiger-head ship shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times, extremely excited.

Liu Qingsun, who was prostrate at the bow of the boat, was even more excited and shouted: "Your Majesty has shown me great favor and bestowed kindness upon me. I will repay this kindness even if I die a hundred times!"

The Liu family suffered sins and were despised by the people and the state.

From a young age, he was determined to wash away the shame. So when Prime Minister Zhang went on a southern expedition, he resolutely joined the army, rose from the ranks, fought in countless battles, braved arrows and bows, was the first to scale enemy city walls, and killed generals to achieve merit.

Today, after a huge gamble, I finally won the crown and entered the Emperor's presence.

Good luck!

Your Majesty is indeed a wise and virtuous ruler!
Let bygones be bygones, and bestow upon him a precious bow!
He solemnly held the royal bow bestowed upon him by the angel, and tears immediately streamed down his face.

With this bow still intact, at least his sins should be forgiven.

……

The champion of the third competition, however, came from the Divine Guard Army.

The captain leading the group was named Murong Jing.

This man was a second-generation official – his father, Murong Qing, held the official position of Supply Depot Commissioner. Well, that's not important. What's important is that Murong Qing had a younger sister who married Yang Wenguang and was Yang Wenguang's first wife.

Yes, it's Yang Wenguang, the one who is now being claimed as the father (grandfather) by the Yang clan chieftains in the southwest and Jinghu regions.

However, Zhao Xu also forced Yang Wenguang's eldest son, Yang Wenhuai, to acknowledge these brothers and nephews.

They were all made to acknowledge their ancestors and have their names written into the family genealogy.

Decades later, Yang Wenguang's most famous label will no longer be "general".

He's a Casanova!

He single-handedly became the ancestor of more than a dozen chieftains and millions of people in the southwest.

Centuries from now, there will likely be countless TV series and movies about Yang Wenguang's love affair on his southern expedition.

Therefore, Zhao Xu couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Murong Jing.

Therefore, he was specially promoted to the position of military commander of the Third Army of the Divine Guard.

As was customary, the soldiers were rewarded with 100 strings of cash and various amounts of cotton cloth.

With this, the bidding process for Jinmingchi has come to an end.

……

The sun was gradually setting in the west.

Within Jinming Pond, tens of thousands of people, including scholars, merchants, and artisans, led the elderly and children along the passages opened up by Kaifeng Prefecture, heading in turn to the designated exits at the southern gates of Jinming Pond.

Hundreds of thousands of people thronged the area, creating a dense, bustling scene.

If not careful, it could lead to a stampede tragedy.

Therefore, not only did the Kaifeng Prefecture garrison soldiers come out in full force to maintain order.

Zhao Xu also mobilized the First General of the Imperial Dragon Army to maintain order here.

As a result, the entire Jinming Pond was almost entirely filled with government soldiers.

At this time, Zhao Xu had already ascended a high platform in the Jinming Pond and ordered people to raise the golden crow banner symbolizing the Zhao Emperor. The Song Dynasty was associated with the element of fire, and since the fall of the Shang Dynasty, the golden crow was naturally revered.

Looking at the golden crow banner that had been raised and hung on the high platform.

Zhao Xu pursed his lips, increasingly convinced that he was a born sun.

They were born to shine upon all directions and bring warmth to all people under heaven.

"I shall be the governor of Asia!" Thus, the ambitious young emperor, accompanied by his chief ministers, senior officials, generals of the three ministries, and relatives of the emperor, came to this high platform and gazed at the exit to the south.

"Old Commander..." Zhao Xu called softly.

Liu Weijian came up behind him: "This old servant is here!"

"How are the preparations going?"

"Your Majesty, this old servant is ready!"

"good!"

"Give me a reward!" he said softly.

"only!"

……

Shao San, holding his son and holding his wife's hand, walked through the crowd.

He was originally from Huainan East Road. In his father's generation, his family had already been tenants, and they could only make a living by renting land from large households in the village.

By his generation, they even had to compete with others to rent land from wealthy families.

If you are not diligent enough and do not take good care of your crops, the landlord will not rent land to you at all.

Shao San, having no connection with his fellow villagers, could only find work as a laborer in the village.

For example, when the imperial court needed to carry out construction projects and mobilized laborers, it would hire local people to do the work.

For example, when prefectures and counties need to transport taxes and revenues to the capital, they also need to hire people.

In addition, when the canal was shallow, the transport office would hire many able-bodied men to pull the boats to safety.

But these things are all time-limited.

You might only encounter such a thing a few times a year, and you'll have to bring your own food along the way.

They are in a situation where if they don't work, they won't eat; if they can't find work for a long time, they will go hungry.

Two years ago, Huainan suffered a severe drought, which was like a living hell for the local people.

Let alone someone like him, even wealthy families in the village can go bankrupt and flee in the face of a severe drought.

Fortunately, the imperial court provided timely disaster relief. It is said that even the emperor and empress dowager took the lead in reducing offerings and cutting back on expenditures, using the money saved for disaster relief.

He also ordered the distribution of grain transported from various locations along the Grand Canal to the disaster-stricken area of ​​Huainan.

At the same time, the imperial guards were sent to help everyone dig wells to obtain water for survival.

A catastrophe that could have caused the deaths of millions of people in the Huainan region was thus appeased.

Despite this, countless people still succumb to the drought.

At least, there were no tragedies of people exchanging children to eat or breaking bones to cook food.

But after the disaster, the area was devastated and all industries were in decline.

In order to allow the people to rest and recuperate, the government directly suspended the construction projects and corvée labor—to be precise, it contracted out the relevant construction projects and corvée labor to the Imperial Guard and the able-bodied men who came south from Dengzhou and Laizhou to provide disaster relief.

This put Shao San in a difficult position.

Without a job, you'll starve!
Fortunately, at that time the imperial court tacitly allowed landless refugees from Huainan to enter the capital.

At that time, Shao San's stomach was growling with hunger, so he followed his fellow villagers to the capital to make a living.

To this day, he still feels deeply grateful for the blessings of his ancestors!

After arriving in the capital, he first built a shack outside the city and lived with his fellow villagers. Then, he and his fellow villagers were recruited by wealthy and powerful families in the capital to work as porters.

He relied on the strength and wit he developed from working in Huainan for a long time.

He soon found an opportunity in the capital – through the introduction of a fellow townsman, he became a wine merchant (waiter) in a foot inn.

Because he was clever, eloquent, and good at talking, he could make the customers who frequently bought wine at his foot shop happy, and they were willing to come to his foot shop often to buy wine and eat meat.

Therefore, he gained the favor of his master, who lent him a hundred strings of cash and allowed him to open a foot inn in Anjiefang outside the city.

And just like that, life changed completely.

Life at the foot shop was dreary and the profits were meager—the profits from selling alcohol had to be shared with the main shop.

Moreover, the master's family accounts for seven parts while his family accounts for three.

In addition, there are various restrictions and constraints.

But life was still much better than when we were in Huainan.

Especially in the past year, with the rise of textile workshops in Anjiefang.

The foot massage parlor's business began to flourish.

Now, he can earn more than ten strings of cash in profit a month.

Compared to the precarious existence back home, it's like heaven and earth!
So, in the middle of last year, through the matchmaking of the master's steward Sun Qian, he married Wang, Sun Qian's niece.

Although Wang was a widow, she was three years older than him and had a one-year-old boy with her.

She is not only good-looking and has a good personality, but also hardworking and good at managing a household.

Since getting married, his wife has taken over many things at the foot shop.

For example, washing dishes, cleaning drains, and cooking various kinds of cooked dishes.

Therefore, despite being a widow, Shao San loved his wife dearly.

Today, he even brought his beloved wife to Jinming Pond to watch the championship competition.

Truly extraordinary!
Absolutely brilliant!

No wonder the elders in my hometown always said: "The Jade Capital in the heavens is Bianjing on earth!"

Recalling the grand bidding scene he witnessed today, Shao San still feels a sense of elation.

In particular, he was still very excited when he thought of the generous reward the winners of the competition received from the government.

That was a generous reward of a hundred strings of cash and several bolts of cotton cloth!

It's more than the profit he makes from his foot massage parlor's annual share!

Not only that, they also received monthly military pay and rice rations from the imperial court, as well as clothing and shoes as gifts in all four seasons, and even more rewards during festivals!

It makes me so envious!

As I was thinking this, a commotion arose ahead.

"What happened?" Shao San asked nervously.

Soon, he heard the voices of the soldiers at the front: "His Majesty bestows grace and the Emperor bestows a bolt of silk upon each elder of Bianjing who enters the garden to witness the ceremony today!"

"What?" Shao San exclaimed in surprise.

Someone gave you a bolt of cotton cloth?!

Is the current government really so benevolent?

Although the price of cotton fabric has plummeted in the market.

At this time last year, a bolt of cotton cloth could sell for more than 500 coins, but now it costs less than 300 coins.

Three hundred coins is still money!

What's more...

Shao San looked at his wife, then at the child in his arms.

This child is the stepson that my wife brought with her.

Although he was born to someone else, he was young and didn't know any better, so he called him "father" very affectionately every day.

Shao San also treated him as his own son and loved him dearly.

Of course—once he has his own son, he might not care about this child anymore.

Regardless, I can take three bolts of cotton cloth home today.

The market price is close to nine hundred coins; that's about all the profit he can make selling wine for a day.

Three bolts of cotton cloth can be used to make clothes, shoes, hats, or mosquito nets.

Thinking this, his heart suddenly burned with excitement.

At the same time, a hidden worry also arose in his mind—with so many people today, has the government prepared so much cotton cloth?
What if there aren't enough, and when it's my turn I don't get any?
With that thought in mind, he picked up his child, grabbed his wife, and tried to cut in line.

result……

A pair of large hands reached out from the side, grabbed his shoulders, and held him firmly.

"Hey! You idiot!"

"When the Emperor bestows favors and bestows blessings, it must be done in an orderly and proper manner, and no one may overstep the bounds!"

"otherwise!"

"Not only will there be no reward, but you'll probably also get a beating!"

Shao San turned his head and looked at the person who had grabbed him.

He wore leather armor, a straw hat, a broadsword at his waist, and boots. He had dark skin but a strong, towering physique.

Clearly, this is a soldier, and an elite member of the Imperial Guard!
Shao San immediately broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly smiled apologetically, "Yes! I understand!"

He knew all too well the temperament of soldiers.

Back in my hometown, when I was working, Xuan Yijun would whip us laborers at the slightest disagreement.

The other person hummed in response and fell silent, their fierce eyes scanning the others.

Shao San immediately lowered his head and dared not make any further moves.

Because these days, soldiers don't need a reason to kill civilians.

For example, when there was a severe drought in Huainan, the Imperial Guards went south to provide disaster relief. When they encountered people looting people's property, plundering government treasuries, and abducting women and children, they simply drew their swords and killed them.

In their frenzy, they even killed the onlookers, cutting off their heads and claiming they were bandits.

Similar incidents occurred frequently in various prefectures of Huainan.

Later, after the imperial envoy arrived, such incidents gradually subsided.

He dared not offend the officers and soldiers!

……

"Long live the Emperor! May the Son of Heaven live ten thousand years!"

"We will never forget the Emperor's benevolence!"

"Your Majesty's grace is as high as the heavens..."

Shao San stood on tiptoe and looked ahead.

Too bad I can't see anything.

However, the constant sounds of gratitude coming from ahead still moved him quite a bit.

Especially as the crowd moved forward, the amount of silk cloth given as a reward seemed endless, as if it could never be given out.

This finally put his mind at ease.

As time slowly passed, the procession moved forward.

Soon, Shao San could see the exit gate.

At the same time, he also saw that behind the soldiers carrying knives and guns on both sides of the gate were one carriage after another, loaded with cotton cloth.

There were officials standing at the door.

For every person who leaves, they are given a horse.

Those who received the cloth all faced a certain palace in the north and loudly expressed their gratitude.

Following the gaze of these people, Shao San looked in the direction they were worshipping.

But then, in the Jinming Pond, on a palace pavilion, a golden crow banner hung down, and on the high platform, canopies were like clouds, and countless people in crimson and purple robes were present.

In the crowd, one could vaguely see the figure of a young emperor dressed in a dark yellow robe, waving to the crowd.

"A holy emperor indeed!"

Shao San suddenly remembered the time when Huainan suffered a disaster.

At that time, the village was in chaos and despair.

Bandits have begun to appear.

Some people even contacted him, a local 'scoundrel'.

They said that the court was corrupt and treacherous, and a drought had struck, leaving everyone with no way to survive. They had no choice but to fight to the death, raise a banner, and gamble on wealth and power.

He was tempted at that time.

After all, for the past century, whenever the country has suffered a disaster, no one has taken care of it at first.

Only when local heroes raise the banner of rebellion, kill a few corrupt officials, or even capture a few county or prefecture cities will the imperial court take it seriously.

Only then will disaster relief efforts begin.

As for the heroes of the uprising, as long as they were respectful when the imperial envoys came, most of them could also obtain an official position.

But before he could make up his mind...

The imperial guards had already been deployed to the disaster-stricken area of ​​Huainan.

Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be chopped off.

Then, the grain transported on the canal and the stranded grain were all transported into the disaster area from all directions.

Immediately afterwards, an envoy from the imperial court brought an imperial edict, exempting the prefectures of Huainan from corvée labor and taxes.

Later, the government tacitly allowed refugees to enter the capital, which gave ordinary people like him, who had no property or job in the countryside, the opportunity to enter the capital and thus led to his current situation.

Later, Shao Sancai learned from people in the capital and from the Bianjing News that this was a decision made by the current emperor against all odds.

Later, the emperor also persuaded Taoist priests and eminent monks from Taoist temples and monasteries in the capital to go south to pray for the disaster victims and held several water and land rituals!
So, holding his child and his wife, Shao San bowed to the emperor's figure on the high platform of the palace, saying, "Your Majesty's grace is something I can never repay in all my lifetimes!"

"Once I return home, I will stay there and pray for the Emperor's well-being day and night!"

In his mind, this was probably the only way he could repay and thank them.

……

On the high platform of the palace, Zhao Xu looked at the scenes at each of the exits.

Hundreds of thousands of bolts of cotton cloth and thousands of bolts of silk and cotton fabric are being distributed in an orderly manner.

Each time it was played, voices of gratitude could be heard.

This made Zhao Xu feel somewhat smug.

Of course, Zhao Xu also knew that if he only rewarded the common people today but not the imperial guards, it would be a mistake.

The soldiers will probably be dissatisfied.

While it may not lead to unrest, it is still detrimental to stability.

Currently, cotton fabric is not selling well, but new cotton fabric is being produced every day.

Every month, Liu Weijian would buy up all the newly produced cotton fabrics at 70% of the market price for that month.

This is to encourage production and industry.

Such national procurement is one of the most effective ways to promote industrial development.

The effect is indeed very strong.

The textile industry in Bianjing was expanding every day.

The range of products produced has also rapidly expanded from a few single varieties to a comprehensive and diversified product range.

Cheap silk from Liangzhe Road, ramie from Liangguang, silk, ramie, and kudzu from the Jinghu region...

These raw materials, which used to be difficult to sell, are now being continuously transported into Beijing.

Now, what the Song Dynasty lacks is no longer workers or technology.

It's the market!

The market in the Liao Kingdom has not yet been fully opened.

The Song Dynasty's own market, however, had to consider the impact and disruption, and dared not open it up too quickly.

We can only start in Kaifeng Prefecture, and then slowly open up the markets in western Beijing, eastern Beijing, and Henan.

So much cloth was piled up in the government warehouse.

If you don't find a way to sell them, you'll lose a lot of money.

Fortunately, there was a market in the Song Dynasty that had been neglected for a long time—the Imperial Guards and the Garrison Army!

Thinking this, Zhao Xu said to the ministers behind him, "Today is a day of great joy, and I shall celebrate with the army and the people!"

"Since the elders have already been rewarded, my brave sons must also be rewarded!"

"An imperial edict was issued, in the name of the upcoming release of the Flying Dragon List and the nation's acquisition of talent, to bestow generous gifts upon the Imperial Guards in the capital and the soldiers stationed in Kaifeng, with each person receiving a bolt of silk!"

"Furthermore, the First General of the Imperial Guard is my personal bodyguard!"

"By imperial decree, the First General of the Imperial Guard is to be given a bolt of silk and half a catty of tea!"

"In addition, the soldiers of all ethnic groups along the border, both Han and non-Han, endure hardship while guarding the frontier. They should be commended and each given a bolt of cotton cloth as a token of appreciation for their labor!"

"promise!"

Long live the Emperor!

The officers of the three military commands immediately prostrated themselves in gratitude, overjoyed.

They all knew very well that if the emperor had rewarded the soldiers, their own rewards would be even greater!

really!

Zhao Xu turned around and looked at the chief ministers, senior officials, generals of the three military commands, and relatives of the imperial family present.

"All of you ministers, relatives, and meritorious generals are my right-hand men. In the past ten days, you have assisted me in governing the country. Your hard work and merits are great, and I should reward you accordingly!"

"Following the precedent set in the southern suburbs of previous years, officials will be promoted, titles will be bestowed, and fiefs will be granted in due order!"

What right did Wen Yanbo have to receive a fief of over 27,000 households?
"As for the officials, both high and low, in the capital, it's the same as always..."

"Those who pass the civil service examination in Kaifeng Prefecture will be rewarded with one bolt of silk, two bolts of coarse cloth, and five strings of cash!"

As he spoke, Zhao Xu's eyes glanced at Yelü Ju almost imperceptibly.

Then it fell on Tian Huairong.

With such lavish spending, it's unlikely that Yelü Gongzi alone could repay the favor.

We'll have to get Young Master Weiming and Young Master Liang involved too!

Zhao Xu recalled that since the beginning of this year, Lü Huiqing, Xiang Zongliang, Gao Gongji, Bao Shun and others had all submitted memorials, and now Liang Yibu was rolling in money!
Because he not only targeted young men and women in Hengshan, but also extended his reach to Hexi and even the Western Regions.

It is said that Tangut cavalry have already begun making arrests in the Western Regions.

This point was even corroborated by Ali Gu of Qingtang City—the Qingtang Tubo had a foothold in the Western Regions.

Given Liang Gongzi's extravagant lifestyle, Zhao Xu believed that he would likely sponsor him with some money as well.

,

(End of this chapter)