I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 461: The envoy bows his head and volunteers! The weather is cold in December, and the epidemic is gradually spreading

It is cold in the twelfth lunar month and the nights are very chilly.

However, the Sang family's house was warm and cozy, and the spectators were looking at the sumo ring with excitement.

Under the urging of Xixia's special envoy Wei Mingcui and Tubo's Zuosilo's special envoy Xia Zhen, the life and death statement was finally completed.

The two of them just took a quick look, then bit their fingers and pressed their fingerprints on it.

this moment.

Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen were both filled with murderous intent, wishing to tear each other into pieces.

Wei Mingcui has been martial and aggressive ever since he could remember, and he had killed someone when he was eight years old.

Xia Zhen was able to survive to this day among the divided and warring Tibetan tribes by fighting his way out of blood.

When the people of the Song Dynasty were children, they read books of sages, but they were actually practicing the skills of killing.

The level of barbarity is second only to the Jurchens in the north who kick people in the head for fun.

In the eyes of both of them.

A life-and-death duel is like a poetry competition among the literati of the Song Dynasty, and it is something they often encounter in their lives.

As the two of them stood facing each other.

The area around the sumo ring suddenly became quiet, so quiet that one could hear the pounding hearts of the onlookers.

This kind of life-and-death battle has never been seen before.

Some people held their breath, some closed their eyes, some wanted to leave but also wanted to see what the next fight would look like...

As Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen stared at the female sumo referee outside the sumo ring, the latter said tremblingly: "The life...life...battle...begins!"

Swish!
As soon as the voice fell, the two rushed forward like two ferocious beasts.

boom! boom! boom!
Fist to fist, leg to leg.

There is no aesthetic sense at all, but the attacks are extremely brutal.

at this time.

A group of armored soldiers suddenly rushed in and surrounded the entire sumo ring.

Each soldier held a long sword in his hand and a short crossbow on his waist.

then.

Everyone heard a particularly loud voice: "Stop!"

But the two of them were already fighting each other, and neither of them was willing to stop.

at this time.

A tall man in a long gown jumped onto the sumo ring from behind.

Two large hands pushed hard on their shoulders and they separated.

But Wei Mingcui had gone mad.

He staggered back two steps, then rushed forward again with his fists raised.

Without saying a word, the man in the long gown turned around, grabbed his arm, lifted him up with force, and threw him over his shoulder.

"boom!"

The tall and strong Wei Mingcui was picked up, and before he could react, he was thrown heavily onto the sumo ring.

Xia Zheng, who was standing by, quickly took a few steps back.

Just from this one move, he knew that he was no match for the man in the long gown.

Wei Mingcui felt dizzy from the fall and it took him a while to stand up.

"You...you...who are you and why are you helping that Tibetan? I am a special envoy of Xixia. If you hit me like this, I will report you to your government!"

At this time, a voice came from the crowd.

"That's our Prime Minister Di Shu!"

The handsome man in the long gown with a tattoo on his forehead was none other than Di Qing, Di Hanchen, the Privy Councilor of the Song Dynasty.

Wei Mingcui woke up instantly and looked forward carefully.

There was no trace of arrogance in him.

Di Qing was in charge of the northwest for many years, and his portraits were spread all over Western Xia, making him very famous.

It was just Di Qing wearing a bronze mask and with disheveled hair.

But when he saw this Di Qing now, Wei Mingcui did not recognize him at first.

"Xia Zheng greets Prime Minister Di Shu!" Xia Zheng was very smart and bowed immediately.

aside.

Wei Mingcui also bowed slightly, and then said with dissatisfaction: "Prime Minister Di Shu, I am fighting a life-and-death battle with Xia Zhen, and you are intervening. Isn't that a bit biased?"

After being thrown down by Di Qing, his waist was almost broken.

If I fight with Xia Zhen again, I will never be his opponent.

Di Qing looked around with a cold expression.

"The Privy Council received news from Kaifeng Prefecture that a Xixia general and a Tibetan general were engaged in a life-and-death duel in the Sang family's residence."

"Since the two sides had fought and quarreled in Qinzhou and outside Xinsuanzao Gate in our Great Song Dynasty, ignoring the laws of our Great Song Dynasty, Kaifeng Prefecture defines this fight as a serious provocation to our Great Song Dynasty by Xixia and Tubo Zuosiluo tribe and a great disrespect to our Great Song Dynasty officials, so the case is fully handed over to the Privy Council for handling!"

Hearing this, Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen were dumbfounded.

This matter is defined as a provocation to the Song Dynasty and a great disrespect to the officials of the Song Dynasty.

Their sin is great!

Wei Mingcui quickly explained, "Prime Minister Di Shu, you...you...you...you have misunderstood. We Xixia have no intention of provoking your country, and we will never do anything disrespectful to the officials of the Song Dynasty. This is a personal grudge between the two of us. We have signed a life-and-death agreement!"

Di Qing shook his head.

"In the laws of our Great Song Dynasty, there is no such thing as a death warrant!"

After saying that, Di Qing waved his hand and several soldiers took the two away.

Their guards dared not move.

this moment.

Many viewers just realized that the "life and death certificate" was just something in the storybook.

The laws of the Song Dynasty did not recognize or prohibit people from fighting to the death.

The two female sumo wrestlers, Xiao Sanniang and Hei Sijie, looked at Di Qing's leaving back, their heartbeats quickened and their faces turned hot and red.

After a while.

The female shopkeeper of Sangjiawazi shouted: "Dear viewers, this year's women's sumo finals will continue!"

The Sang family's house became lively again.

……

Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen were taken to the prison in the Privy Council, while Di Qing went to the teahouse opposite.

Inside the teahouse private room.

Zhao Zhen, Di Qing, Su Liang and Cao Yi sat together.

"Your Majesty, what should we do with these two people next?" Di Qing asked.

He was ordered to arrest people, which demonstrated the power of the Song Dynasty and defined the actions of the two as a provocation to the entire Song Dynasty.

Next.

He was a little undecided about how to punish him.

Zhao Zhen thought about it and smiled helplessly.

"At the time, I just felt that the two of them were fighting to the death in Bianjing City, which was of a bad nature. I had to give them a warning, but I really hadn't figured out how to punish them!"

"It is a good thing for us that the Xixia envoys and Qingtang Tubo are enemies. If this punishment makes both sides hate us, it will be a loss! Moreover, whether it is a fine, detention, or even expulsion, it is not appropriate at this time. Their crimes are not that serious!"

"Su Qing, do you have any good ideas?" Zhao Zhen looked at Su Liang.

Su Liang smiled slightly.

When Zhao Zhen ordered Di Qing to deal with them, Su Liang began to think about how to resolve the matter satisfactorily.

"Your Majesty, first of all, you must order the two men to apologize publicly and promise not to fight in the Song Dynasty in the future. Secondly, the two men are too murderous and have no mercy. I suggest that we punish them in a gentle way that can serve as a warning to envoys from other countries."

"What kind of method?"

"This winter is particularly cold. The people outside the city are short of charcoal and clothes. Although Kaifeng Prefecture has distributed some cold-weather items, it is far from enough."

"I suggest that these two people each contribute money to buy more than 3,000 kilograms of charcoal and 300 pieces of silk, set up a tent outside the city, and distribute them to the people for free. This is a task assigned by the government. They can only return to the city after delivering the charcoal. This will show the great country style of our dynasty that educates people with virtue. They don't know etiquette and don't treat others with kindness, so we will teach them what is benevolence and what is kindness!"

"Good idea, good idea, let's do it!" Zhao Zhen said excitedly.

Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen, as envoys, represent the face of a country (tribe). The Song Dynasty's actions are like a teacher teaching two bad kids to do good things, which is very meaningful and shows more magnanimity than imprisoning them.

Zhao Zhen let out a long sigh and said, "Next, I can calm down and wait for the result of the final!"

After Zhao Zhen finished speaking, he immediately regretted it.

He ignored Di Qing who was sitting next to him.

Di Qing was stunned at first, then he looked out the window at the Sang family's tile house and immediately understood everything.

The women's sumo final attracted officials.

He smiled awkwardly, picked up the teapot, and said, "Sir, please have some tea, drink some tea!"

……

A quarter of an hour later.

Inside the Sang family's house, the competition between Hei Sijie and Xiao Sanniang also came to an end.

Two female sumo wrestlers, there is performance and real fighting.

When they wrestle in a ball, there is not only a sense of power, but also a very erotic atmosphere.

This is a scene that 99% of men like to watch, and the remaining small group must include Sima Guang and Wang Anshi.

The onlookers were reluctant to blink and kept cheering.

At last.

Hei Sijie won the competition with her solid chassis, which drew a lot of praise.

……

It was the twenty-second day of the twelfth lunar month, near noon.

South of Bianjing City, outside Nanxun Gate.

The apology letters from Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen were posted on the wall next to the city gate, attracting many people to stop and watch.

When he learned that the two were going to donate charcoal and silk outside the city to repent.

Many people were very happy.

This move is enough to deter all foreign delegations. If they want to cause trouble in the Song Dynasty, they must first consider their own weight.

There is a large shed on both sides of the city gate, separated by a road.

Each shed contained three thousand kilograms of charcoal and three hundred rolls of silk.

These items were not considered a lot of money for Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen, and they could all afford them.

However, the Privy Council required that the two of them must do it themselves and distribute the charcoal and silk to at least 600 people outside the city without any help.

Wei Mingcui and Xia Zhen had no choice but to do as they were told.

If they fail to do so, they will be expelled from Song territory.

this moment.

Although there was sun high in the sky, there was not a trace of heat.

The north wind was howling and it was very cold.

Wei Mingcui sat in the shed with a dark face, feeling very ashamed. He was waiting for the people of the Song Dynasty to come to him and ask for charcoal and silk.

Behind him stood a group of imperial guardsmen, responsible for supervision.

Not far away, Wei Mingcui's guards stood there helplessly, not daring to get involved at all.

Xia Zhen's attitude is completely different from Wei Mingcui's.

He felt that distributing charcoal and silk in this way would be a good thing for enhancing the reputation of the Zuosiluo tribe.

Xia Felt is very enthusiastic.

Learn to speak in the same polite and humble tone as the waiters in the restaurants and teahouses in the city.

"People of Bianjing City, I, Zuo Si Luo Xia Zhen, apologize to you all. Please accept my apology. From now on, I will never cause trouble in Song territory. If anyone is short of charcoal and silk to keep warm, please come to me and get it!"

……

After Xia Zheng had been shouting for half an hour, some people finally came to collect the charcoal and silk.

The people of Bianjing City were all very proud and did not like to take advantage of others. Only the truly poor would go and receive charcoal and silk.

If one commoner comes to lead, it will naturally attract more commoners to come and lead.

Soon, Xia Zhen had sent out more than twenty copies.

Hearing the people's thanks, Xia Zhen was very happy, and thought that when he returned to the tribe, he would definitely do such good deeds often.

As for Wei Mingcui.

There is still not a single common people.

He had a gloomy face, and since Western Xia and the Song Dynasty had always been at odds with each other, the people of Bianjing City wished he would stay outside the city for a few more days.

It's approaching dusk.

Xia Zhen has already sent out hundreds of pieces of charcoal and silk cloth, and tomorrow more and more people will know about this.

He expected to complete the mission and return to Bianjing City before dark tomorrow.

……

The next day, it was just afternoon.

Xia Zheng completed the task and delivered all the silk and charcoal.

In front of Wei Mingcui's greenhouse, there were very few people, and only three copies were given out in total.

When he saw Xia Zheng leaving, he suddenly panicked. According to his current progress, it might take until next year.

By then, it would be a huge embarrassment!

After two hours of psychological preparation.

Wei Mingcui finally lowered his proud head and decided to learn how to play blind felt.

"People of Bianjing City, Xixia Wei Mingcui apologizes to you all. Please accept my apology. Next..."

Wei Mingcui imitated Xiazhan's tone and words and started shouting loudly outside the city.

Thanks to the really cold weather this winter.

The people had a great demand for charcoal and silk. It took Wei Mingcui four and a half days to complete the task. He then regained his freedom and returned to the city.

……

The afternoon of the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Zhao Zhen, the ministers of the two ministries and three departments, and all members of the Reform Department gathered at the Reform Department to summarize the achievements of this year's reform.

This year, the Song Dynasty did two major things to reform its political system.

First, censors were sent on tours to investigate the gains and losses of the reform; second, large-scale military training was officially launched throughout the Song Dynasty and has become a normal practice.

Everyone is very satisfied with the overall results.

After everyone discussed it for a while, Zhao Zhen said: "This year is about to end, and I am very satisfied with the results of the entire Reform Department. From now on, the Song Dynasty will no longer strive for change, but for stability!"

"In addition, the court must focus on two things: one is to enrich the national treasury and prepare sufficient military funds; the other is to strictly implement the strategy of large-scale military training and not slack off in the slightest!"

"We obey your command!" Su Liang and others bowed in unison.

Everyone chatted until dusk, and then went to Fanlou together to have a reunion dinner as usual.

After tonight, Su Liang will no longer have to go to the Censorate.

He and Tang Wanmei purchased New Year's goods, equipped the house, and prepared for the New Year.

Early morning on the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Inside the Su residence.

Su Liang was wearing a thick animal skin robe, but he still felt very cold. Every time he exhaled, white mist came out.

All the water tanks in the yard were covered with a thick layer of ice.

This winter is much colder than last year.

Because of the cold weather, Su Zimu and Su Qinyi stayed in bed after waking up and were reluctant to get up.

Just then, Tang Ze walked in from the door.

"My dear son-in-law, don't let Mu'er and Qinyi go out these days. We should also try to go out as little as possible. In the past two days, there have been many more patients in the city's medical clinics, most of whom are suffering from colds. I'm afraid they may be contagious."

Su Liang nodded seriously.

Colds are common in winter and spread rapidly. Nowadays, colds are deadly and must be prevented.

(End of this chapter)