I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 121 Zhang Chun: I want to replace Empress Dowager Xiang and become the new umbrella of the old party

...

"No need to pay tribute."

Zhao Ya's voice was flat, without any surprise or even astonishment. It was as if Zhao Ya had already calculated that Li Qingzhao would definitely roll back in disgrace.

Zhao Ya's attitude made Li Qingzhao doubt whether Li Kefei and others had made a wrong analysis and Zhao Ya simply didn't like her?
After being talked about by people around her for a long time, Li Qingzhao herself thought that she was Zhao Ya's white moonlight, just like many princes, ministers and sons who admired her because they loved her poems.

Before coming, Li Qingzhao was even mentally prepared that Zhao Ya would be unable to move or be completely fascinated by her as soon as he saw her.

However, the ideal is full, but the reality is very skinny.

"sit."

After saying that, Zhao Ya continued to feed Ma Xiaojiao dried lychees without looking at Li Qingzhao again.

Zhao Ya was gentle and considerate when feeding Ma Xiaojiao. He would also listen to the movements in Ma Xiaojiao's belly and happily share with a group of women around him that the baby in Ma Xiaojiao's belly was kicking him.

Even if Li Qingzhao didn't understand the relationship between men and women, she could still see that Zhao Ya's true love was for Ma Xiaojiao. And she? She was just someone who had come to her own door... Li Qingzhao looked at the women around her, each more beautiful than the last, and thought silently, "Are you a Yelang?"

Everyone waited until the evening, but Ma Xiaojiao still showed no signs of giving birth.

Zhao Ya had the habit of going to bed early and getting up early, so when the hour of You arrived, Zhao Ya chose Li Lin from among the women to sleep with him, and then took Li Lin to her palace to rest.

When choosing the person to sleep with him, Zhao Ya did not consider Li Qingzhao at all, and seemed to have forgotten Li Qingzhao who was sitting in the corner.

From childhood to adulthood, no matter where she was, Li Qingzhao had never been ignored like this. No, no matter where she was, she was the brightest star in the night sky.

"If you have no feelings for me, why are you teasing me?"

Li Qingzhao felt an indescribable shame and anger surging in her heart, and her face turned pale and red.

After Zhao Ya and Li Lin disappeared from sight, the concubines, female officials and palace maids around Zhao Ya began to disperse in twos and threes. Some of them were still whispering to each other, occasionally with a few low laughs.

Li Qingzhao felt that these women were laughing at her and making fun of her as an outsider who didn't know her own limitations.

Li Qingzhao bit her lower lip so hard that her nails almost dug into her palms. She secretly swore in her heart that she would never let others look down on her like this.

At this moment, Zhang Chun came over and said, "You don't have a place to stay yet, why don't you stay with me first?"

At this point, what else could Li Qingzhao do except to leave with her good friend Zhang Chun? Should she go home in the dark again?

After walking with Zhang Chun for a while, Li Qingzhao was still confused and didn't understand what Zhao Ya was up to.

Zhang Chun saw through Li Qingzhao's thoughts and said with a smile, "The emperor is busy with all sorts of affairs, how could he tease you?"

After hearing what Zhang Chun said, Li Qingzhao finally realized that Zhao Ya had countless women and was so busy. If he had no interest in her, why would he waste his time on her? It was even more impossible for him to reward her with a gold plaque.

After realizing that Zhao Ya must like her, Li Qingzhao became even more puzzled. Zhao Ya was obviously interested in her, so why did he ignore her like this?
Zhang Chun explained to Li Qingzhao, "The emperor does have feelings for you, but you're just one of us. There are three thousand concubines in the harem, and to receive their unwavering favor is something we all dream of, yet cannot possibly obtain. How could it be so easily bestowed upon you? Furthermore, the emperor's emotions are inherently more complex than those of ordinary people. He must weigh the pros and cons of everything, and he has countless concerns. He certainly can't express his feelings freely and freely like ordinary people."

Li Qingzhao understood what she had thought. She had overthought before coming. It was impossible for Zhao Ya to ignore all the other women and favor her alone. However, things were not as bad as she thought later. She should still have a chance to win Zhao Ya's favor.

Zhang Chun said, "You possess both talent and beauty, and the Emperor is deeply in love with you. It will surely be easy for you to secure a place in the imperial court. However, you must be magnanimous, guard against arrogance and impatience, and be adept at reading people's expressions. Furthermore, you must learn how to stand out from the crowd of concubines and make them remember you. Otherwise, over time, you will be lost among the crowd."

At this point, Zhang Chun added in his mind, "If you want to be remembered by Zhao Ya all the time, there is only one way, and that is to be useful to Zhao Ya. Jiaojiao is the best example."

After Zhang Chun's advice, Li Qingzhao understood a little, but at the same time, she was still a little confused and didn't know why she did such a thing?

Seeing that Li Qingzhao was so unteachable, Zhang Chun shook his head and said bluntly, "Before Su Che sent you here, didn't he clearly tell you how difficult the situation is for you Yuanyou Party members now? If you are not careful, you will be doomed, and your families will be doomed as well."

Li Qingzhao was very surprised! She had never expected that Zhang Chun knew so much about the situation of the old party.

Zhang Chun smiled and said, "Do you think I only know how to please the emperor with my beauty and don't understand current affairs?"

Li Qingzhao was speechless. In fact, she really thought so. She felt that Zhang Chun was just one of Zhao Ya's many playthings. At most, she had the same literary talent as herself, and could only teach her a few tips on how to please Zhao Ya. She, who often came into contact with people involved in politics, didn't understand current affairs very well. How could Zhang Chun possibly understand?
Li Qingzhao was innocent and straightforward, so how could she hide anything? In Zhang Chun's opinion, her thoughts were all written on her face.

Zhang Chun shook his head, then said leisurely, "Su Che's political sensitivity is quite good, and his response was timely. Otherwise, you Yuanyou Party members would have been in trouble this time..."

Zhang Chun told Li Qingzhao that Cai Jing had suggested to Zhao Ya that the "Lecture Room" be established...

As a veteran of the New Party who actively followed Wang Anshi's reforms during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song, Cai Jing was well aware that the reason why Wang Anshi was able to unify the court and implement new laws in a short period of time was because of a department called the "Regulations Office of the Three Departments".

This department can bypass the Secretariat, which was originally jointly led by the prime minister and the councilors, and directly place the officials responsible for the reform under the leadership of one person, thereby executing the will of the reform host with the highest efficiency.

Cai Jing proposed to Zhao Ya that in order to better implement the reform, he hoped to set up such a department to be specifically responsible for the reform.

This department is about ceremonials.

The Zhao Song Dynasty that Zhao Ya took over was not only facing financial difficulties, but the Qingtang region, which had been recovered during the reign of Song Zhezong, was now showing signs of instability.

It was at this time that the ministers of the old party suggested that Zhao Ya abandon Qingtang and adjust the new law, which was a wrong approach.

It is no wonder that Zhao Ya has been angry with the old party recently.

After Zhang Chun's explanation, Li Qingzhao finally understood why the old party's recent situation was so bad.

Now, Cai Jing proposed the "Jiaoyi Si" suggestion in order to help the Zhao Song Dynasty solve these problems and help Zhao Ya clean up this mess.

Therefore, Zhao Ya would definitely adopt Cai Jing's suggestion.

The list of "Lecture Room" proposed by Cai Jing consisted of 47 people, including 14 core senior personnel.

The first to bear the brunt were Jian Xuchen and Wu Juhou.

These two people are the lifelong enemies of the old party.

The former, after Zhao Xu assumed power, actively participated in combating the Yuanyou Faction, frequently submitting memorials suggesting compiling the words and deeds of treacherous officials like Sima Guang. He repeatedly denounced members of the Old Party, often through his own handiwork. However, his harsh and ruthless approach to law enabled him to rapidly implement all of the new reforms. Furthermore, the people under his rule, primarily the gentry, but also the common people, were severely exploited.

The latter, a master of financial management, meticulously orchestrated the salt and iron trade, significantly increasing imperial revenues. He also encouraged local minting to boost fiscal revenues. While serving as the Jingdong Road Transport Commissioner, he used the proceeds from salt and iron taxes to fund horse trading in Hedong and military pay in Shaanxi, promoting local economic development and strengthening the imperial military. He also dredged the Grand Canal to facilitate grain transport and irrigation. However, his flaws were also his ruthless methods and his disregard for the lives of the people.

These two people are typical cruel officials. They are definitely capable and can get things done, but the people under their rule may suffer.

This time, Cai Jing recommended many such cruel officials to Zhao Ya, including An Dun, who was particularly good at inciting factional struggles.

Besides these cruel officials, those who could enter the "Lecture and Ceremonial Department" were either Cai Jing's confidants like Zhang Kangguo and Qiang Junming, or highly capable members of the New Party like Zhang Shangying and Zheng Jin. In other words, the "Lecture and Ceremonial Department" created by Cai Jing was not only highly cohesive, powerful, and capable of execution, but also absolutely combat-ready.

If Cai Jing used the "Jiaoyisi" to retaliate against his political enemies, it would definitely make Cai Jing's political enemies live a life worse than death.

As for whether Cai Jing would show mercy to his political enemies, Zhang Chun asked Li Qingzhao to ask Han Zhongyan, Su Che and others how they retaliated against Cai Jing and the New Party members when the New Party lost power, and then they would find out.

Li Qingzhao understood that Zhang Chun was warning her, no, he was warning the old party behind her, telling them that the counterattack of the brothers Cai Jing and Cai Bian was coming soon.

Li Qingzhao asked Zhang Chun, "Why are you telling me this?"

Zhang Chun smiled and said, "Su Che and Han Zhongyan will tell you the answer."

Li Qingzhao asked uncertainly, "Do you want me to tell them about this?"

Zhang Chun didn't answer but asked, "Why else would I tell you this?"

Li Qingzhao asked, "Are we going now?"

Zhang Chun said, "You can wait a few days. They may already know about this and have a solution. I'm wasting my time."

Li Qingzhao could tell that Zhang Chun was speaking sarcastically.

Li Qingzhao asked Zhang Chun how she could leave the palace, and then hurried home to report the news.

After Li Qingzhao left, Zhang Chun looked at Li Qingzhao's back and raised the corners of his mouth.

The old party is now in a precarious situation and has lost its biggest umbrella of protection, Empress Dowager Xiang. It is in urgent need of a backer.

However, the women sent by the old party to Zhao Ya's harem, including Li Qingzhao, whom they had high hopes for, could not influence Zhao Ya at all.

But Zhang Chun is different. Zhao Ya doesn't listen to everything she says, but at least he can hear some of it. Besides, she has Li Lin, Ye Shiyun, Ma Xiaojiao, and Yuan Qingcheng by her side. Except for Yuan Qingcheng, each of them is a concubine that Zhao Ya trusts very much. If they are tied together, they can definitely replace Empress Dowager Xiang and become the umbrella of protection for the old party.

As long as she can unify Li Lin, Ye Shiyun, Ma Xiaojiao, Yuan Qingcheng, and add Li Qingzhao, Chao Min, Han Yu, Li Chun, Zhao Mai and other women, they will become a powerful political force in the harem, and even a harem political force that can compete with Zheng Xiansu.

If there is another powerful political force outside supporting her.

Then she will have the hope of becoming the second Liu Qingjing.

However, if she wanted to become the second Liu Qingjing, she still lacked the most important piece - Zhao Ya's favor.

After being with Zhao Ya for so long, Zhang Chun has confirmed that Zhao Ya may favor her, but he will never favor her alone.

Not only her, but Zheng Xiansu as well.

If they infringe upon Zhao Ya's interests, whether it is her or Zheng Xiansu, Zhao Ya will abandon them without hesitation.

As a result, her previous unrealistic dreams of becoming the empress dowager, the queen, Wu Zetian, Cixi, etc., had to be put aside for the time being.

Now, she should be more pragmatic, compromise and persuade Zhao Ya to allow her to become the new umbrella of the old party and politically bind her to the old party.

This is not easy.

Because Zhao Ya didn't like the harem interfering in politics.

Fortunately, she knew that Zhao Ya had no intention of completely turning to the New Party, nor did he intend to let go of the leash around Cai Jing's neck.

This was also what she meant, because only in this way could the Zhao Song Dynasty avoid going back to the old path in history and causing the Jingkang Shame.

The current situation is very clear. Zhao Ya needs to control Cai Jing's power and balance the power of the New Party.

Then, Zhao Ya will definitely keep the old party.

But at the same time, Zhao Ya also had to control these old party members who often made trouble and attacked people.

"If I can help Zhao Ya control these old party members, and I am completely under his control, and can continue to give Zhao Ya some sweet treats, it may not be impossible to make Zhao Ya give in. After all, politics has always been the art of compromise..."

……

Li Qingzhao found Tong Guan as Zhang Chun said, showed him the golden plate, and wanted him to arrange someone to escort her home, and took the initiative to say that she would be back tomorrow.

Tong Guan knew that Li Qingzhao could enter and leave the palace freely at this stage.

Since this was a privilege given to Li Qingzhao by Zhao Ya, Tong Guan would certainly not have any objection. Without saying a word, she arranged for someone to send Li Qingzhao home according to the standards for ordinary concubines leaving the palace.

Seeing Li Qingzhao coming back again, Li Kefei almost lost his temper on the spot.

Li Qingzhao also realized that her father did not welcome her back, so she quickly told Li Kefei about Cai Jing's request to Zhao Ya to establish the "Jiaoyi Si".

Li Kefei knew how terrible the predecessor of the "Lecture Ceremonies Department" was, the "Three Departments Regulations Department", so he went to see Su Shi and Su Zhe overnight and reported the matter to them.

After hearing this, Su Shi and Su Zhe sent someone to invite Han Zhongyan and told him that Cai Jing wanted to set up the "Lecture Hall" and that Zhao Ya would definitely agree to it.

After listening to this, Han Zhongyan thought that the "Jiaoyi Si" was not scary. The key was Zhao Ya's attitude. If Zhao Ya did not want to deal with the old party, the "Jiaoyi Si" would just be an executive department that presided over the reform, and it would be no big deal.

But if Zhao Ya wanted to clean up the old party, he could definitely torment them to death by gathering together the "Jiaoyisi" which consisted of cruel officials such as Jian Xuchen, Wu Juhou and An Dun.

Su Shi and Su Zhe also held the same view.

After the three of them reached a consensus, they began to study Zhang Chun.

Zhang Chun knew that Cai Jing wanted to set up the "Jiaoyisi" and knew the details so well. He was also sure that Zhao Ya would definitely support Cai Jing. This power was extraordinary.

Moreover, Zhang Chun was so familiar with their situation and dared to inform them, which meant that Zhang Chun was confident that they could get through this, or that he was confident that he could help them get through this.

This is even more amazing.

Han Zhongyan, Su Shi, and Su Zhe were all wondering, "Who is this Princess Zhang? And why is she helping us Yuanyou Party members?"

……

(End of this chapter)