Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 259 The Great Song Dynasty is Gone

Yu Xiaojiu instructed, "You can certainly sell a hundred bolts of cotton cloth at half price. But you must be careful to do so only after the Emperor has entered the palace. Otherwise, if the neighbors, greedy for bargains, all come to you to buy things, wouldn't that steal the Emperor's thunder?"

"Don't worry, I'm not a fool."

Next, Yu Xiaojiu launched "Lao Shunxiang" and continued selling tabloids, attracting customers with the new government's name. Chen Youcai contacted suppliers to prepare cotton fabric for a major promotion.

With Zhao Shuo's imminent arrival, the entire city of Lin'an was filled with a strange sense of excitement and exhilaration.

In stark contrast was the prefectural government office in Mingzhou City, four hundred miles south of Lin'an.

Mingzhou is what later became known as Ningbo.

"My three ministers, is it absolutely necessary for me to issue this 'Edict of Self-Reproach'?"

Holding the imperial seal of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Yun looked at the "Edict of Self-Reproach" before him, hesitating to stamp it, and looked with resentment at the three prime ministers he had appointed half a month ago.

The first was Li Zongmian, the former Minister of Rites and concurrently a Supervising Secretary of the Song Dynasty. In terms of seniority, Li Zongmian's position in the Song Dynasty court was second only to Zheng Qingzhi and Qiao Xiangjian, and his appointment as prime minister was well-deserved.

Second, there was Wu Yuan, the former Pacification Commissioner of Fujian. Wu Yuan personally led troops to defend the capital, demonstrating commendable loyalty. The first destination of the Southern Song court's flight was Fujian; how could they not appoint him as a Vice Chancellor and concurrently Privy Councilor?

The third was Fan Zhong, who had first advocated for moving the capital in court. Promoting him to the position of new prime minister was a way of rewarding his policy-making.

These three new prime ministers really have no other choice.

When they set off from Lin'an, they had 20,000 Balu soldiers. These 20,000 men were all brave warriors handpicked from among the Jurchens. They had a blood feud with Zhao Shuo but no families, so they were easy to deal with.

However, there are still 20,000 imperial guards in the palace, and their families alone number as many as 80,000.

In addition to the 13,000 troops from various regions who came to the aid of the emperor, as well as the court officials and their families who followed Zhao Yun, the total number of people was nearly 140,000.

It was completely unrealistic for so many people to expect to escape by requisitioning boats from the vicinity of Lin'an and sailing out to sea via inland waterways; they could only travel by land.

Their plan was that Mingzhou Port was one of the major ports in the Song Dynasty, with a large number of seagoing vessels. They could requisition all the ships from Mingzhou, enough to carry these 140,000 people to Quanzhou. If that didn't work, they could continue sailing and move the capital to Guangzhou.

However, countless people fled during the journey of less than four hundred miles.

The problem first arose with the Imperial Guards, who were indeed favored by the emperor for generations, received excellent treatment, and were extremely loyal to the Song Dynasty.

However, the original treatment was too good.

After leaving the bustling city of Lin'an, and only traveling for three days, countless Imperial Guards were already complaining bitterly, not to mention their families.

They had hardly ever left the bustling city of Lin'an in their entire lives, so how could they endure this hardship?

On the third night, about five hundred Imperial Guards deserted with their families and returned to Lin'an, making a total of about two thousand people.

I ran 3,000 kilometers on the fourth day!
I ran 5,000 kilometers on the fifth day!
Such a large-scale desertion of the imperial guards naturally aroused the ambitions of those loyalist troops.

Oh, so the Imperial Guards used to be raised by their own mothers, while we're raised by stepmothers. When the time comes to really use us, are we supposed to fight to the death?

Why?

Besides, if the emperor has abandoned the ancestral temple, what's the big deal if we abandon the emperor? Even if we're going to be buried alive with the Song Dynasty, shouldn't the emperor and the imperial guards be at the front?
So, these loyalist troops also fled.

The imperial court lacked sufficient elite troops, so it was naturally unable to suppress the Balu Camp.

They did indeed have a blood feud with Zhao Shuo, but the Song Dynasty court didn't seem reliable at all. Who would want to die if they could live a good life?

Some soldiers of the Balu Battalion deserted, and even two thousand Balu Battalion soldiers launched a surprise attack on the central army under the cover of night, intending to plunder some of the goods before leaving. It was only with great difficulty that the attack was suppressed.

In any case, by the time they reached Mingzhou, Zhao Yun only had the Balu Camp, composed of eight thousand Jurchens, left under his command. It was unclear whether these men were determined to oppose Zhao Shuo or were waiting for their chance to plunder as well.

The loyalist troops numbered around six thousand, nearly half of whom were brought by Wu Yuan. Their hometowns were in Fujian, so this was just a side route for them; it's unclear what their true intentions were. And what about the two thousand Semu soldiers—were they truly so loyal to the Song Dynasty?
The Imperial Guards in the Palace Guards are in the worst condition, with only about 5,000 men remaining. Including their families, the total number is only 25,000.

The ministers who accompanied the emperor were also unreliable; some were killed by the rebellious Balu camp, and others escaped, leaving only sixty or seventy men. Including their families, there were fewer than five hundred.

In short, less than half a month has passed, and of the nearly 140,000 people who set off from Lin'an, only a fraction remain—40,000.

Well, Zhao Shuo hasn't even sent troops to pursue them yet, and this is how they are.

If they really fight Zhao Shuo, wouldn't the Southern Song Dynasty be doomed?
There was no other way, so the three prime ministers discussed it back and forth before deciding that Zhao Yun should issue an "Edict of Self-Reproach".

In this "Edict of Self-Reproach," Zhao Yun first acknowledges that he not only rendered no service to China, but also opposed the imperial army and caused the death of the loyal minister Meng Gong's mother, which is truly a grave sin.

Then, Zhao Yun announced that, effective immediately, he would relinquish his imperial title and be called the King of Song. Zhao Shuo acted in accordance with Heaven's will and the people's will, his virtue benefiting all living beings; he was destined to rule China.

Finally, Zhao Yun asked Zhao Shuo for three years to atone for his crimes and perform good deeds.

He planned to use Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi as a base to attack Annam and expand China's territory. Regardless of success or failure, these three regions would be handed over to Zhao Shuo in three years.

In short, Zhao Yun acknowledges Zhao Shuo's status as the ruler of China, but now only seeks to seize a piece of land outside of China to preserve his life, which can be described as extremely humble.

His admission of causing the death of Meng Gong's mother will only further tarnish his reputation.

Li Zongmian said with a bitter expression, "As the old saying goes, 'When the ruler is in sorrow, the minister is disgraced; when the ruler is disgraced, the minister dies.' If we had any other way, we would rather die than let Your Majesty suffer such a great humiliation. But now, we have no other choice but to do our best to eliminate Zhao Shuo's hostility towards Your Majesty!"

Wu Yuan said, "Whether it's Fujian or Guangdong, these are all ancient Chinese territories, and Zhao Shuo will never abandon them. With the strength of our Great Song Dynasty, we cannot possibly withstand his military might. Why doesn't Your Majesty do me a favor?"

"The world is vast, and there is always a place for the people of our Great Song Dynasty to find refuge. If Annam is not an option, there are countless small islands in the South China Sea. We have been blessed by the country for generations, and even if we are shattered to pieces, we will rebuild the Great Song Dynasty with Your Majesty!" Fan Zhong echoed.

These three men were all typical scholar-officials, and it cannot be said that they were disloyal to the Song Dynasty. However, they simply lacked the courage to confront Zhao Shuo's Eight Banners army, and chose to abandon China to bully the barbarians in order to prolong the Song Dynasty's reign.

As soon as they finished speaking, all three of them had reddened their eyes.

"Okay... okay!"

With the three prime ministers speaking with one voice, Zhao Yun lost all hope.

Snapped!
The imperial edict was heavily stamped with the inscription "Treasure of the Great Song Dynasty's Mandate of Heaven".

This seal, commissioned by Emperor Taizu of Song (Zhao Kuangyin) and carved over 274 years, represents the imperial power of the Song Dynasty and has now completed its historical mission.

It will be sent to Lin'an, along with seven other secondary seals, by an envoy dispatched by Zhao Yun, via an urgent courier service, to await Zhao Shuo's receipt.

The Song Dynasty is gone.

A brand new dynasty is about to be born.

When Zhao Yun announced this "Edict of Self-Reproach" to the world, regardless of whether it was real or fake, weeping filled the city and its surroundings.

Of course, when Zhao Yun arrived in Lin'an the next day with the envoy bearing the "Eight Seals of the Emperor," the atmosphere in Lin'an was completely different.

Newspaper shops printed more tabloids, and the whole city of Lin'an was in a frenzy. Newspaper shops and even many newspaper boys took the opportunity to make a small profit.

Chen Youcai made a decision to urgently increase the amount of cotton cloth sold at half price to 150 bolts.

After all, it was only Zhao Shuo who had moved into Lin'an before.

Now, Zhao Yun has acknowledged Zhao Shuo as the ruler of China, which is a genuine change of dynasty!

The celebration must be expanded!
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the day Zhao Shuo arrived in Lin'an.

Lin'an City, outside Jiahui Gate.

Jiahui Gate was the main southern gate of Lin'an. From Jiahui Gate, one could travel along the wide Imperial Street directly to the Imperial City and even the Imperial Palace. According to the rules of the Song Dynasty, only the emperor could enter the city through this gate when he was personally leading an expedition or returning from a sacrificial ceremony to Heaven. At other times, this gate was closed, and no one was allowed to enter or leave.

Therefore, Jiahui Gate was both the largest and most magnificent city gate in Lin'an, and also the least frequently opened city gate.

Today, not only are the two city gates of Jiahui Gate wide open, but the three-story vermilion city tower is also adorned with red decorations, making it exceptionally festive.

The official roads on both sides of the gate were paved with yellow earth and sprinkled with clean water, making them exceptionally smooth.

Colorful tents were erected on both sides of the official road, and 120,000 people from Lin'an were gathered under the tents, stretching for five miles.

Before these commoners stood the 817 officials, both high and low-ranking, who had remained in Lin'an from the Song Dynasty.

They were not dressed in plain white robes that symbolized surrender, but in the clothes of ordinary people, wearing blue four-piece shirts and cotton shoes.

Because Zhao Shuo had already given an order that this campaign against the Song Dynasty was not to conquer the Han people in Jiangnan, but to rescue them.

"To save the people from suffering and to relieve them from their dire straits!"
The civil and military officials who remained in Bianliang, having surrendered voluntarily, naturally belonged to the Han people who were to be rescued.

Whether or not he can become an official is another matter, but at the very least he should not be treated as a "democrat".

Boom~~
At 1:45 AM, the sound of horses' hooves thundered on the distant official road, as if the whole earth was trembling slightly.

A cavalry unit in black helmets and armor galloped from afar, as swift as a black lightning bolt and as unstoppable as a black torrent.

"Is this the might of the King's Black Cavalry? Truly extraordinary. Just looking at their aura, they are many times stronger than the imperial guards of the Song Dynasty!" Many knowledgeable military officials thought to themselves.

"Stop!"

With a shout, the three thousand galloping cavalry suddenly stopped and split into two rows, standing on both sides of the official road.

The entire process was clean and efficient, with the formation remaining perfectly straight, as if cut by a knife or axe.

With such strict discipline and the three thousand men acting as one, they were truly more terrifying than the black torrent from before.

Then a man wearing a golden helmet and black gold cold-forged armor, riding a tall, pale gold horse, slowly walked forward, escorted by forty armored soldiers.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome you!"

Nearly a thousand officials in Lin'an knelt down in unison.

Shi Songzhi held aloft a tray bearing the eight imperial seals representing the power of the Song Dynasty, and proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, to save the people of Jiangnan from suffering and to relieve their plight, raised an army to attack the Song Dynasty. Now that the great cause is accomplished, Your Majesty has arrived in Lin'an. We, your subjects, and the soldiers and civilians of Lin'an are overjoyed! How fortunate we are!"

Zhao Shuo did not dismount, but merely raised his left hand slightly and said, "No need for formalities! I have something to say to the people of Jiangnan. Lead the way."

"As you command!" The officials rose and led Zhao Shuo forward.

"Your Majesty, welcome!"

The people along the way all knelt down to welcome Zhao Shuo into Lin'an. Countless people mustered their courage and stole glances at Zhao Shuo's face.

Zhao Shuo looked much younger than they had imagined.

Zhao Shuo has been king for over ten years, and his age is no secret; he is fifty this year. However, judging from his appearance, he looks to be only thirty-four or thirty-five years old—majestic, powerful, and full of vigor and vitality.

About half an hour later, Zhao Shuo arrived at Jiahui Gate and ascended the three-story vermilion city tower. Looking out, he could see all 120,000 people from Lin'an who had come to greet him.

Zhao Shuo announced loudly, "All of you, rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Naturally, numerous messengers were stationed among the crowd to relay Zhao Shuo's words, and only then did the 120,000 people stand up.

Zhao Shuo said, "I had already issued an order long ago. This campaign against Song is to save the people from suffering and to relieve them from their dire straits. More precisely, it is to liberate the people of Jiangnan from the various exorbitant taxes and levies of the Song Dynasty! To free the people of Jiangnan from the heavy shackles of the Song Dynasty and to restore the courage and prestige of the Han and Tang Dynasties. Meng Gong!"

"exist!"

Meng Gong, standing behind Zhao Shuo, loudly agreed.

Zhao Shuo said, "My system is very different from that of the Song Dynasty. Today, you represent me and speak to the people about it."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Meng Gong's voice was choked with emotion.

Anyone could do the job of relaying imperial edicts for Zhao Shuo. For example, Yang Weizhong, who often drafted imperial edicts for Zhao Shuo, would be quite suitable.

Meng Gong certainly knew what Zhao Shuo meant by sending him to deliver the imperial decree.

Nothing more than to clear his name and prevent him from being wronged.

Zhao Yun's "Edict of Self-Reproach" already stated that the Song Dynasty had wronged Meng Gong first, which led to Meng Gong's rebellion. This newly issued edict, however, indicates that Meng Gong's surrender to Zhao Shuo brought a better life to the people.

The people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important!

Meng Gong was not a traitor, but a true and upright man!

Meng Gong struggled to control his emotions, coughed once, and then said loudly, "His Majesty has decreed to the people of Jiangnan: 'With the beginning of a new dynasty, all things are renewed. Today, I would like to inform you of the main differences between this dynasty and the Song dynasty. Firstly, the poll tax and salt tax will be waived.'"

Both the so-called "person tax" and "salt tax" can be seen as poll taxes.

The "Shen Ding Qian" (身丁钱) was nominally a fee that people had to pay even if they didn't perform corvée labor. However, in reality, the Shen Ding Qian was still paid, and corvée labor was still required, which was a form of double taxation.

The same principle applied to the salt tax. Nominally, it was a forced levy on government-mandated salt, requiring each male to purchase seven catties (approximately 3.5 catties) of salt per year—no exceptions. In reality, after collecting the money, either no salt was provided, or only half a catty (approximately 250 grams) of coarse, inedible salt was given. People had to pay extra to buy salt if they wanted to consume it.

Both taxes were levied only on men aged 20 to 60.

Such heavy taxes led to a unique phenomenon in the Southern Song Dynasty: "sons were not raised." In other words, boys were drowned upon birth, while daughters were raised properly.

There was no other way; once boys grew up, they had to pay a poll tax, which was simply unaffordable.

Zhao Shuo already lacked population, especially males, so how could he allow this to continue?
Why not just abolish all poll taxes!

What a great act of benevolence this is for the people of Jiangnan!
Wow~~
As soon as Meng Gong finished speaking, and with the relay of the imperial decree by a group of officials, countless people's eyes lit up with joy, and they were about to kneel down to express their gratitude.

However, Meng Gong continued talking without stopping.

Even greater acts of benevolence are yet to come!

Meng Gong continued, "Secondly, the salt tax is collected directly from the official salt, regardless of the prefecture or county. All Chinese people pay ten coins per catty for the best quality salt!"

What does it mean to pay ten coins for a pound of salt?
In the Southern Song Dynasty, the price of official salt was between 100 and 150 wen per jin!

With such exorbitant prices, poor people simply couldn't afford salt, which even sparked a major peasant uprising in Fujian.

But in Zhao Shuo's view, if ordinary people couldn't afford salt, it would affect their health and production. In comparison, what was the salt tax?
The price has dropped directly to ten coins per pound!
This will make it impossible for those illegal salt dealers to profit even if they go a little further away!
Another great act of good governance!
Plop!
As soon as the second decree was finished, the people all knelt down. They dared not speak, for fear of interfering with the continued reading of Zhao Shuo's edict.

Meng Gong continued, "Thirdly, we encourage childbirth and prohibit infanticide. For each son born, the government will reward the child with a sheep, a bushel of grain, and five catties of fine wine. For each daughter born, the government will reward the child with a sheep and three catties of fine wine. Those who have three or more children will be exempt from corvée labor. Those who have five or more children will have their land tax permanently reduced to 10% and will also be exempt from corvée labor!"

"Fourth, the practice of buying and selling goods from the people was abolished. All materials that the government needed to collect from the people had to be purchased at market prices."

Fifth, the Song Dynasty's Jiaozi (paper money) was exchanged for copper coins at the market price. After six months, it was no longer allowed to circulate among the people.

"Sixth, commercial taxes..."

"Seventhly, overseas trade and commodity monopolies..."

"Eighthly, the newspaper industry..."

"Ninthly, immigration..."

"Tenthly, the local militia..."

'The eleventh, the imperial examination…'

"The twelfth is corvée labor..."

"Thirteenthly, lift most restrictions on weapons used by civilians. Except for firearms, crossbows, and armor, no restrictions are imposed on civilians' long and short weapons."

The State of Song was weak and incompetent in its external affairs, but it was ruthless in its internal affairs, and it imposed extremely strict restrictions on weapons used by the people.

Only the "five weapons"—bow, arrow, knife, shield, and short spear—could be privately owned.

And that doesn't even include Lin'an.

In Lin'an, for the emperor's safety, everyone except officials and soldiers was prohibited from possessing any weapons.

How can ordinary people practice martial arts then?

How can we cultivate a martial spirit among the people?

Zhao Shuo only prohibited "firearms, crossbows, and armor," while the people were free to purchase and use all other weapons.

Meng Gong rattled off thirteen points in one breath, recounting the differences between the Xin Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.

As Meng Gong recounted each point, Yu Xiaojiu felt increasingly relaxed.

He had been used to hardship in the past, and although he felt that the taxes levied by the Song Dynasty were a bit harsh, he never had such a clear understanding of them as he does now.

He never imagined that the imperial court imposed so many restrictions on the common people, limiting their freedom and spirit.

Now, Zhao Shuo is abolishing these exorbitant taxes one by one. He is smashing these shackles one by one.

This is the true meaning of "saving the people from suffering and rescuing them from dire straits"!

Yu Xiaojiu had never felt so relaxed before!

He now even has a strong urge to take out all the money he has saved over the years, find a woman, and have a child.

This child is destined for good fortune!

He was lucky to be born in such a wonderful dynasty!

Yue Ke is also extremely excited.

"Grandpa, may your spirit look down from heaven. Although the Song Dynasty you protected is gone, the China you protected has been reborn. China not only did not grovel under the iron hooves of the barbarians, but also abolished exorbitant taxes and shattered the heavy shackles binding the people. If you knew this, you would surely rest in peace!"

"It's a pity you were born a hundred years too early and didn't live under King Zhao Shuo's rule. Otherwise, where would Fengbo Pavilion be? What would be the point of marching straight to the enemy's capital? Your name might very well be on the list of heroes in the Crown Prince's Cairo campaign! You might even have marched all the way to Rome in the west!"

"However, it's alright, your grandson will carry on your legacy. I've decided that, regardless of whether King Zhao Shuo allows me to continue serving in China, I will volunteer to go to the West! Although my abilities are far inferior to yours, my name will surely be recorded in history!"

As Yue Ke thought about it, tears streamed down her face.

Of course, Yu Xiaojiu and Yue Ke are not the only ones who are very excited right now.

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty! I am willing to die for you!"

"Long live the King!"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the new dynasty!"

……

The people learned some of Zhao Shuo's actions in the north through the tabloids in Lin'an. But they all understood that tabloids were only fast; their accuracy was another matter.

They have never known in such detail, nor have they ever been so certain.

After Meng Gong finished reading the decree, the emotions that the people had been holding back for a long time burst forth, and cheers erupted like thunder!

Shortly after, Zhao Shuo announced that the curfew would not be lifted that night, then descended from the city wall and, led by civil and military officials, entered the imperial city.

Lin'an City was immediately engulfed in a grand celebration.

Countless merchants were selling their goods at half price, just for the festive occasion.

All the teahouses and taverns were packed to capacity.

In teahouses and taverns, commoners discussed various government decrees and opportunities to make money. Some inquired about good martial arts instructors to learn skills and join the Eight Banners army. Others discussed how many candidates Zhao Shuo's new dynasty would pass the imperial examinations in Jiangnan. Some talked about immigrants and even beautiful women from the West. Some even commented on the emperor's appearance, saying he possessed the legendary "features of a dragon and phoenix, and the countenance of the sun and moon."

The entertainment districts were packed with people, with countless literati wielding their brushes and writing new lyrics to promote the new dynasty and its policies. They hired courtesans to sing these lyrics, hoping to gain prestige and even reach the ears of the emperor through this means.

As night fell, things got even more spectacular. Someone started setting off a flurry of firecrackers (firecrackers from the Song Dynasty), and fireworks lit up the sky. The night was ablaze with light, even more lively than during the Lunar New Year.

An elderly man with white hair and beard had half of his beard singed by fireworks, but he laughed heartily, saying he wanted to share in the joy of the new dynasty.

The whole city was in a state of jubilation!
(End of this chapter)