I studied in modern times

Chapter 925: Goryeo on the Menu
When Cai Jing arrived at the side hall of the Lianzhou government office, Gao Zunhui had already brought people to greet him at the door.

"I am Gao Zunhui, your humble servant, and I am here to meet the Prime Minister!" Gao Zunhui saw Cai Jing's ceremonial board from afar, so he stepped forward and bowed.

“Mr. Gao, please don’t be polite! Please don’t be polite!” Cai Jing stepped forward with a smile and bowed in return: “I am so embarrassed… I am so embarrassed…”

"After leaving Bian Jing, Lord Gao is even more elegant than before!" Cai Jing looked at the royal relative in front of him with some emotion.

Cai Jing and Gao Zunhui had naturally met each other before, and more than once, so they could be considered acquaintances.

Gao Zunhui smiled and bowed again, then he pulled Li Taide behind him and introduced him to Cai Jing: "I would like to introduce someone to the Minister of State Affairs..."

Cai Jing looked at the man behind Gao Zunhui and knew that this man was probably Li Taide, the Prime Minister of Jiaozhi and Marquis Chongxian.

Last year, he went to Bian Jing to pay homage to the emperor and was said to have received praise from the emperor.

However, Cai Jing at that time did not care about such things.

He devoted all his attention to the government affairs of Kaifeng Prefecture, and thought every day about how to achieve his KPI.

So, this was his first meeting with the Prime Minister of Jiaozhi.

What surprised Cai Jing was that the prime minister of Jiaozhi did not look like a treacherous or powerful official at all.

He is not tall and not strong, with a slightly long face and dark skin.

When he saw Cai Jing, he bowed down, his voice full of flattery and humility: "Your Excellency, the Minister of State Affairs, and Li Taide, the Minister of Jiaozhi, bow again!"

After saying this, he put his hands on the ground, put his forehead against the back of his hands, and performed the kowtow gesture that is only used by younger generations, disciples, and nephews when paying respects to their elders.

This frightened Cai Jing so much that he immediately stepped aside, then stepped forward and helped the other person up: "Good Minister, you can't do this! You can't do this... Hurry up... Hurry up!"

He really couldn't bear it!
Accepting it means acknowledging that the other person is his junior, disciple, or nephew.

It's like having an extra big son for no reason!

After being helped up by Cai Jing, Li Taide still said respectfully: "I heard in Jiaozhi that the emperor ordered Prime Minister Cai to come to Guangxi..."

"I knew at that time that the people of Jiaozhi were blessed!"

"So, Xiao Xiang immediately ordered people to prepare the last batch of rice for tribute this year... to thank the emperor for his grace and congratulate the prime minister on taking office!"

"Now they have all been transported across the border and delivered to the Changping Warehouse in Youjiang Anfu, the Great Song Dynasty!"

Cai Jing listened and smiled: "You are loyal to the country and the emperor. I will report to Bian Jing and praise your loyalty!"

In any case, the fact that Jiaozhi fulfilled its treaty obligations on time was a good start for Cai Jing.

Li Taide cupped his hands and said, "This is the duty of a subject. How dare I take credit for it?!"

"Besides, being able to pay tribute to the Song Dynasty is a blessing for you! It is also a blessing for Jiaozhi!"

This is the truth!

According to the terms of the peace agreement signed between the Song Dynasty and Jiaozhi Kingdom last year.

Jiaozhi paid one million dan of rice as tribute to the Song Dynasty every year, and then bought another one million dan at the market price.

Judging from the text of the treaty, it seems to be a humiliating treaty that will damage the country's sovereignty.

The annual tribute of two million shi of rice was almost like taking away the last bit of food from the people of Jiaozhi.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, even if the Jiaozhi people did not restart the war in the name of "revenge", they would at least seek opportunities to delay fulfillment of the agreement or simply not fulfill it after the main force of the Song army retreated.

Just like the peace terms reached between the two countries after Xining's southern expedition were completely eroded in the following ten years.

how...

The treaty stipulated that an additional one million shi of rice would be purchased every year at the "market price". During the implementation process, the Jiaozhi people discovered the benefits.

Because the market price here is based on the market price of rice in Bian Jing.

Although the price of rice in Bian Jing was relatively low compared to other counties in the Song Dynasty, at 120 coins per dou, it was only slightly more expensive than in the grain-producing areas of Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Jiangning, but much more expensive than in Shaanxi, Hebei, and Jingdong.

However, rice has always been cheap in Jiaozhi, but money is expensive. The price of rice in Bianjing, which was 120 coins per dou, was considered a sky-high price in Jiaozhi.

no way!
Today, the entire East Asian economy is in severe deflation.

Money shortages were not limited to the Song Dynasty.

It also appeared in Liao and Goryeo, and Jiaozhi was no exception.

Until last year, most transactions in Jiaozhi society were still based on barter.

Therefore, Jiaozhi society was seriously short of money!

At this time, the Song Dynasty sent more than 1.5 million strings of copper coins to the Song Dynasty every year through the tribute rice trade.

The low blood pressure that had always existed in Jiaozhi's economy was instantly cured.

In fact, it was enough to enable it to rush into a developed feudal society!
But unfortunately, this money did not actually flow into Jiaozhi society.

Instead, it fell into the hands of Li Taide.

After receiving such a large amount of foreign exchange income, Li Taide used most of it to reward the three armies, win over officers, consolidate his power, and purchase high-quality armor and equipment from the Song Dynasty.

This ensures internal political stability and the loyalty of the people in power.

The only problem was that the annual quota of 2 million shi of tribute rice was suffocating the lower-class farmers in Jiaozhi.

Although, Li Taide didn't care about the lives of those unruly people who were as insignificant as grass.

But in the end, these unruly people are still needed to grow crops and sell grain.

If Li Taide wants to replace his brother, he must prove himself to the country.

Especially in martial arts!

However, the disastrous defeat last year made the Jiaozhi people dare not covet Jiaozhou, and no one dared to talk about "recovering the homeland".

Therefore, there was only one choice - to march south.

Plundered Champa, Zhenla and other countries.

Seize their wealth, young and strong people, women and children, and enrich yourself.

This is called taking compensation from the South!

The dilemma would be solved by changing tribute to conquest - just destroy Champa and Zhenla.

Get its vast and fertile Mekong Delta region, suitable for rice cultivation.

Then learn the Jiaozhou model and use the people of Champa and Zhenla as slaves in the rice fields.

Wouldn't this allow us to both earn rice money from the Northern Dynasty and make Jiaozhi great again?

Therefore, after Li Taide obtained this strategy, he felt like he had found a treasure and regarded it as the national strategy of Jiaozhi.

Since the end of last year, they have been sending troops to attack Champa and Chenla.

The Jiaozhi army, which had suffered a great defeat in the north, received the export of armor and weapons from the Song Dynasty, and then went to the south to punch Champa and kick Zhenla.

They instantly regained their confidence, and then expanded their territory and restored national prestige.

So, from the perspective of Li Taide and his ruling group.

How is the tribute rice trade a loss of sovereignty and a humiliation to the country?

This is clearly the benevolent policy of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, who pities Jiaozhi and supports Jiaozhi!

Moreover, the Emperor of Bian Jing once announced that in the future, the tribute rice from Jiaozhi would be gradually changed from tribute to purchase.

In other words, the Emperor of Bian Jing promised that in the future, the war reparations of Jiaozhi might be waived and replaced by acquisition.

It is equivalent to promising rice to the rice plantations in Jiaozhi, a huge market!

Cai Jing didn't know the inside story, but he couldn't find fault with Li Taide's attitude, so he could only smile and say, "This wise prime minister is so righteous. I will report this to the emperor and praise him!"

Then, Cai Jing, as the host, invited Gao Zunhui and Li Taide to the side hall prepared for them by Cen Ziting.

After the three people entered, Cai Jing, as the host, naturally sat in the main seat, while Gao Zunhui and Li Taide sat on both sides.

After the host and the guests were seated, Cai Jing called his confidant Zhou Bangyan and told him: "I want to discuss confidential matters with Lords Gao and Li, and please send everyone away and don't let any outsiders stay!"

"promise!"

Zhou Bangyan followed the order and quickly cleared out all the servants and followers in the side hall.

He was the last one to go out, closing the doors and windows.

Seeing this, Gao Zunhui and Li Taide both relaxed.

Gao Zunhui waited until Zhou Bangyan left before he bowed to Cai Jing and said, "Since I heard that you went south, I have wanted to go to Lianzhou to pay a visit to you..."

"However, I have the king's order, so I can only welcome Lord Chongxian into the country first. I hope the governor will forgive me!" As he said this, he stood up and bowed to Cai Jing to apologize.

When Cai Jing heard this, he immediately understood: "Sure enough, the official battle formation is in Gao Zunhui's hands!"

He quickly stood up and bowed: "How dare I! How dare I!"

"Since Lord Gao has received the imperial edict, he should put it first!"

Cai Jing said this, looking at Gao Zunhui and asked, "May I ask Lord Gao, is there any command to me in the imperial edict?"

Gao Zunhui smiled and nodded.

Cai Jing immediately turned towards Bian Jing, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I respectfully follow your command!"

Gao Zunhui also solemnly bowed three times towards Bian Jing, then took out a letter sealed with wax from his underwear.

"I, the governor and pacification envoy of Guangnan West Route and the Protector of Annan, please come forward and receive the imperial edict!"

Cai Jing bowed solemnly four times towards the direction of Bian Jing, then came respectfully to Gao Zunhui and took the letter respectfully.

Gao Zunhui looked at Cai Jing with a smile and handed the letter to him.

Cai Jing took the letter and returned to his seat. He carefully checked the wax and confirmed that there was no sign of damage. Then he carefully placed it in front of the candlestick, melted the wax with fire, and took out the decree. The decree was written on a piece of Yuanshu paper.

The handwriting on it was standard official script, and Cai Jing recognized it at a glance - this was indeed the imperial handwriting of the current emperor.

I read the contents carefully again and again, and recited them silently in my mind three times.

Cai Jing faced the direction of Bian Jing and bowed four times. Then he placed the piece of Yuanshu paper on the candle flame in the candlestick in front of Gao Zunhui and Li Taide, and watched it burn to ashes with his own eyes.

This is the imperial edict - after reading it, leave and do not let anyone else know.

As for this matter, Cai Jing lowered his head and murmured: "So that's it... So that's it..."

When he looked up again and looked at Gao Zunhui and Li Taide.

His expression has completely changed.

It was as if Gao Zunhui and Li Taide were his half-brothers.

Because he already knew that the government had paved a smooth road for him to be promoted to the two ministries and even to become the prime minister!
Not only that, this is also a path to becoming a god that will be remembered for eternity.

As long as you can complete the tasks assigned by the government.

He is Ban Dingyuan of the Song Dynasty!
……

Bianjing.

It is already the end of October. This year is much colder than in previous years. Even at noon, the temperature has hovered below zero for several days.

Fortunately, Zhao Xu was the emperor.

Even in this Medieval era, the bedroom where he lived could be as warm as spring all year round - the heating facilities in the warm room could be called medieval floor heating.

Therefore, even though it was raining cold winter rain outside, Zhao Xu in the study of the East Pavilion was still wearing light casual clothes. With the help of the warm room, his body temperature was always maintained in a comfortable range of more than 20 degrees.

At this moment, Zhao Xu was looking at the secret report that Lu Jia had sent back from Yongzhou by express delivery ten days ago.

After reading the note from Lü Jia, Zhao Xu rested his chin on his hand, leaned back on the cushion, and muttered to himself, "I wonder if Cai Jing received my instructions!"

"Will this matter be able to proceed smoothly as I wish in the future..."

Zhao Xu laughed as he said this: "With Cai Jing here, I shouldn't have to worry too much about the people of Southeast Asia..."

He is the leader of the six thieves!
Even considering the breadth of Chinese history, he can be ranked among the top ten treacherous ministers.

Throughout the ages, the only people who can be compared with Cai Jing are probably a few such as Li Linfu, Heshen, and Qin Hui.

So, Cai Jing can definitely solve the bug that there is no sun in Southeast Asia.

The people of Southeast Asia will soon be able to enjoy his blessings.

Coincidentally, Southeast Asia is very similar to South America in terms of climate and environment.

These are areas with dense rainforests, numerous swamps, and well-developed water networks.

It is indeed the best breeding ground for second-hand United Fruit.

Of course, under current technological conditions, it is unrealistic to grow bananas.

But you can grow rice!
The sugarcane plantations in Jiaozhou have proved that plantation economy is viable.

Just throw away your conscience and morals.

So, this model is not only feasible, but also promising!
In addition, in today's Southeast Asia, there is a natural industrial raw material that Zhao Xu urgently needs - gutta-percha!

This natural gum can be used as a substitute for rubber.

Moreover, it is better than rubber in terms of water resistance and sun resistance.

As long as this natural gum can be found, the Song Dynasty's industrial development will have the premise for rapid development.

I was thinking about the distant Guangxi, looking forward to a bright future after solving the bug that has plagued the people of Southeast Asia for thousands of years without the sun.

Zhao Xu heard footsteps.

Then, a familiar voice came from the door: "Everyone..."

Zhao Xu looked in the direction of the sound and saw Tong Guan.

"Just when I was thinking of Cai Jing, Tong Guan came..."

"Is this a good omen?" Zhao Xu immediately smiled and asked, "What's the matter?"

Tong Guan officially entered the palace half a month ago and was appointed by Zhao Xu as the new "Emperor's Palace Attendant".

As for Feng Jing, he exchanged jobs with him - he was appointed to be in charge of the tabloid affairs in Bian Jing.

On the surface, this is a position to coordinate the Investigation Department and monitor the tabloids in Bian Jing.

In fact, he was the editor-in-chief of Bian Jing Xin Bao and Bian Jing Yi Bao.

So - Feng Jing became the second Hu Feipan.

"Reporting to everyone, the Communications Office has delivered the latest letter from the Liao Lord..."

Zhao Xu immediately sat up and ordered, "Present it quickly!"

In the past October, Zhao Xu and Liao ruler Yelu Hongji had been communicating with each other through their respective messengers, exchanging opinions and coordinating their respective positions.

For a time, there was an endless stream of messengers on the National Highway. There was even a scene where more than ten messengers were running on the National Highway in one day.

As messengers exchanged messages, the positions of Zhao Xu and Yelu Hongji were rapidly converging.

The first issue to be agreed upon was the issue of Jiaozi.

On October 11th, the two countries reached a preliminary agreement on issuing an additional 1.5 million strings of Jiaozi in the third year of Yuanyou.

This was the result of bargaining between Zhao Xu and Yelu Hongji.

Yelu Hongji asked for five million strings of cash, and Zhao Xu countered with four million strings of cash.

In the end, the two monarchs each took a step back and decided to increase the amount of the new Jiaozi trade treaty to 4.5 million guan.

According to the new treaty negotiated by Zhao Xu and Yelu Hongji, the Liao Kingdom had to pay the Song Dynasty 250,000 taels of silver before March of the third year of Yuanyou as a reserve for the additional 1.5 million strings of Jiaozi.

Of course, they want the Liao people to come up with 250,000 taels of silver at once.

This really puts them in a difficult position.

but……

Isn’t there Goryeo, the great enemy?

Didn’t the Koreans promise to pay an annual tribute of 80,000 taels of silver and 30,000 pieces of silk to the Liao Kingdom?

As the most peace-loving monarch in the world who hates war the most.

Zhao Xu has always been compassionate.

So, he chose to take over.

The annual tribute from Goryeo to the Liao Kingdom was converted into 120,000 taels of silver.

In this way, the Liao Kingdom only needs to pay another 130,000 taels to the Song Dynasty.

Of course, because this money was essentially the annual tribute from Goryeo to the Liao Kingdom.

Therefore, the Liao Kingdom needs to take responsibility.

To put it simply, the Liao Kingdom was responsible for supervising the Goryeo Kingdom's fulfillment of its obligations with respect to this money.

At the same time, Zhao Xu also informed the Liao ruler through a letter that Goryeo had agreed to pay an annual tribute of 120,000 taels of silver to the Song Dynasty as a reward for the Song Dynasty's mediation.

Therefore, the Liao ruler also needed to assume the obligation to supervise the annual tribute from the Song Dynasty.

In business, people always ask for a high price and pay the low price.

Faced with the conditions offered by Zhao Xu, Liao ruler Yelu Hongji was naturally dissatisfied.

First, he raised objections to Goryeo's annual tribute to Liao.

Yelu Hongji insisted that Goryeo's annual tribute to Liao should not be converted into only 120,000 taels of silver.

He thought it should be worth at least 130,000 taels!
Then, based on this incident, Yelu Hongji further proposed that the Liao army should pay hardship fees for supervising Goryeo's tribute.

Therefore, the Song Dynasty had to give the Liao Kingdom an additional 10,000 taels of silver on top of the 130,000 taels of silver it had given the Liao Kingdom.

At the same time, the Liao people also wanted benefits, hard work fees and commissions for part of the Song Dynasty's annual tribute.

It has been more than half a month since the new Jiaozi treaty was concluded.

Zhao Xu has been negotiating with Yelu Hongji on these details.

As time went by, the negotiations on these details gradually came to an end.

If things go as expected, the latest letter sent by the Liao ruler should be able to finalize the terms of the peace treaty.

As for the Koreans?
Sorry, from the beginning of the negotiations until now, Zhao Xu forgot to send someone to inform them.

Generally speaking, they will wait until all the relevant terms have been finalized before sending someone to inform them.

The same should be true for the Liao people.

This is easy to understand.

Small countries that are already on the menu should not dream of deciding their own destiny.

The only thing he could do was to accept the fate of his country being dictated by the great powers.

Of course, the Koreans could also choose not to accept the negotiation results between the Song and Liao countries.

As long as he can withstand the mixed doubles between Song and Liao, it will be fine!

(End of this chapter)