I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 325 The Powerful Prime Minister's Iron Fist, the Thunderous Relocation of the Capital

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Cai Jing sincerely admired Zhao Yu's talent and strategic vision, knowing that his judgment and decisiveness far surpassed that of ordinary people, and that his abilities in strategic planning and control of the court were unmatched. Faced with Zhao Yu's swift and decisive methods and accurate insight, he would always remain in awe and dare not be negligent or deceitful in the slightest.

However, while Zhao Yu was highly capable, his energy was limited, requiring Cai Jing to handle government affairs and coordinate with officials. This provided Cai Jing with a platform to realize his ambitions.

Before meeting Zhao Yu, Cai Jing experienced three rises and falls. Leveraging his advantage of being a graduate of the imperial examination system, his administrative abilities, and his keen sense of power, he repeatedly swayed between the old and new factions. By attaching himself to different forces and befriending powerful figures, he gradually climbed from a local official to the central core circle, laying the foundation for his later position as prime minister.

After many years of hardship, Cai Jing finally gained the emperor's favor after meeting Zhao Yu.

Since ascending the throne, Zhao Yu has begun to heavily rely on Cai Jing.

When the original prime minister, Zhang Dun, retired due to old age, Zhao Yu promoted Cai Jing to prime minister.

Cai Jing's "spring" has finally arrived.

However, being a prime minister is not an easy task, especially being the prime minister of Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu valued systems and efficiency. Cai Jing could propose specific plans to improve laws, rectify officialdom, and develop people's livelihoods. With the help of Zhao Yu's authority, these plans could be implemented to achieve the ideal of "making the ruler like Yao and Shun, and restoring the purity of customs."

However, Zhao Yu often held core power, and although Cai Jing held a high position and wielded great influence, he had to constantly maintain a balance—he couldn't be dismissed for incompetence, nor could he be suspected for overshadowing the emperor. Therefore, Cai Jing deliberately concealed his talents and "left room for maneuver" on key issues. For example, in areas personally controlled by Zhao Yu, such as military and diplomatic affairs, he focused more on execution than decision-making to avoid power conflicts with Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu's strong abilities meant that he had extremely high expectations of his subordinates. If any oversight occurred in government affairs, they could face severe accountability or even be considered "incompetent," which put considerable pressure on Cai Jing.

Fortunately, Cai Jing was truly capable. He was able to meet the vast majority of Zhao Yu's requests and never let Zhao Yu down in crucial moments.

Before becoming prime minister, Cai Jing had already realized that he was living in an era of a wise ruler. If he could assist Zhao Yu in achieving a prosperous era, he would be remembered in history as a "wise prime minister" and form a beautiful story of "a harmonious relationship between ruler and minister" with Zhao Yu. Conversely, if he made mistakes or fell out with Zhao Yu, causing the government under his leadership to collapse, he might become a negative example under the halo of a wise ruler. Therefore, he paid special attention to his reputation and integrity.

In short, Cai Jing is more like a "mastermind behind a precision instrument"—he must both comply with Zhao Yu's "overall command" and ensure the stable operation of his own functions, finding a balance between awe, opportunity, and risk.

Cai Jing was well aware of his significance to Zhao Yu, so he was extremely careful and cautious when it came to matters involving Zhao Yu's monarchical power. He would do whatever he could, and if he couldn't, he would try his best, fearing that a single imperial edict from Zhao Yu would send him "back to square one."

Therefore, Cai Jing would carry out any task assigned by Zhao Yu without reservation, regardless of whether it was right or wrong.

Just like this relocation of the capital.

It is no exaggeration to say that Zhao Yu once again threatened the interests of many powerful figures.

In Bianliang, the capital of the Eastern Capital, prosperity was like a dream. Merchants flocked here, and the mansions of high-ranking officials and nobles stood side by side. Every inch of land was imbued with the aura of power and wealth.

The relocation of the capital was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up waves of turbulent water.

How could those powerful and influential people who had long been rooted in Bianliang and whose influence was deeply entrenched easily abandon this uniquely prosperous place and go to that unknown new capital?

Cai Jing knew that the relocation of the capital would face numerous obstacles, but Zhao Yu was determined. He had no choice but to do his best to accomplish this task so that Zhao Yu would recognize his abilities as prime minister.

Cai Jing asked Zheng Xiansu and his son Zhao Shou to gather the officials together, and Cai Jing said loudly:
"The proposal to move the capital is not a temporary change, but a foundation for future generations."

Although Bianliang was prosperous, it was located in the Central Plains, bordered by a powerful enemy to the north, and had no natural defenses. In the past, it paid tribute of money and silk every year and humbly sought peace, all because of its difficult terrain. At that time, the country was weak and the army was exhausted. It had no resources to move and no strategy to defend itself, so it could only endure humiliation and bear the burden.

Your Majesty is now divinely mighty, the four seas are at peace, the army is strong, and the treasury is full. Yanjing, with the sea to the left and the Taihang Mountains to the right, controls the northern deserts and borders the Central Plains to the south. It is a strategically important place and has been the capital of emperors since ancient times. Moving the capital here can secure the northern frontier, keeping the barbarian horses away from the Great Wall; it can facilitate trade with foreign merchants and promote the flow of goods and services; it can gather the elite troops of the world and deter all directions.

If we continue to defend Bianliang, and the northern invaders were to march south, the vast plains would be without any cities to defend, and the fate of the nation would be in grave danger!

The predicament of the past was not due to a lack of willingness to change, but rather to an inability to do so.

Now Your Majesty has granted us the opportunity. We have enough armor and weapons to defend the capital, enough treasury to build a new capital, and enough capable officials to bring peace to the people. If we do not move now, when will we?
The relocation of the capital will initially be troublesome, but for the sake of future generations and for the eternal prosperity of the Song Dynasty, it must be carried out!

His Majesty has made up his mind; who dares to stop him?

Those who disagree should consider the importance of the nation and its people, and not let personal desires jeopardize the country!

As soon as Cai Jing finished speaking, Su Shi stepped forward and strongly supported him:

"Your Majesty's decision to move the capital is a wise and insightful decision that has been passed down through the ages, and can only be matched by one emperor throughout the ages!"
In the past, the late emperor's establishment of Bianliang was a last resort. We all know that Bianliang lacks natural defenses; if the enemy were to invade, the capital would be shaken, and the entire nation would be in turmoil. This is not an exaggeration; the lesson of Chanyuan is still fresh in our minds!

Having traveled extensively throughout the north, I know the strategic importance of Yanjing (Beijing): it is protected by the Great Wall against the north winds, overlooks the Bohai Sea to accommodate ships, controls the powerful armies of Youyan (present-day Hebei and Shaanxi) internally, and connects to the grain routes of the nine border regions externally. Moving the capital here is not only to avoid the threat of invaders, but also to demonstrate the nation's power in the north, letting the surrounding barbarians know that the Great Song Dynasty has the ambition to encompass the four seas, and is not one to be content with a corner of the world!
Some say: Bianliang is so prosperous that it would be a pity to give it up.

I dare ask: Is the extravagance of a single city more important, or the vast empire? Is the private wealth of the powerful and wealthy more urgent, or the safety of the people more urgent?
Your Majesty puts the nation's well-being first, forsaking short-term gains for long-term planning; this is the conduct of Yao and Shun!
If anyone is stubbornly clinging to their own ideas, prioritizing personal interests over public duty, and obstructing the relocation of the capital, then they are making an enemy of the world and their ancestors!
Your Majesty is exceptionally wise and insightful. You have already foreseen the advantages and disadvantages of this move. Anyone who dares to stand in your way will be condemned by all generations!
Although I, Su Shi, am of limited talent, am willing to follow Your Majesty, braving fire and water, to accomplish this great undertaking that will last for millennia!

He Zhizhong then chimed in, “His Majesty has decided to move the capital, and has already issued a clear edict: ‘The emperor guards the nation’s gates, and the monarch dies for the state!’ Such a vow is unprecedented and could only be uttered by a wise and virtuous ruler!”
Even with Your Majesty's high status, you are willing to risk your life.

For the sake of the country, we, as subjects, who eat the emperor's food and receive the country's favor, how can we shrink back?

Those who still object are not unaware of the benefits of moving the capital, but rather are attached to their private property in Bianliang and regret their own comfort!
Such thoughts are not for the country, but solely for personal gain; their ulterior motives are blatantly obvious! Those who serve the country should take His Majesty's heart as their own and prioritize the well-being of the nation. To disobey or obstruct the imperial decree is to betray the emperor and the country; how can one be worthy of being a subject of the Great Song Dynasty?
"His Majesty has already made a vow regarding the relocation of the capital; it is the will of Heaven. Who dares to defy him? He will be executed without mercy!"

The prime minister and other high-ranking officials all expressed their opinions, and each of them took a firm stance, which suppressed the ministers who were unwilling to move the capital, and for a time they dared not raise any objections.

Seeing this, Cai Jing seized the opportunity and, in the name of the court, began to issue orders to prepare for the relocation of the capital. He ordered the Ministry of Revenue to immediately recruit craftsmen and laborers, and the Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Vice Minister Li Jie, went directly to Yanjing to design the new capital and palace. At the same time, he sent people to find the best areas for raw materials to build cement plants, steel plants, and brick factories to provide building materials for the new capital...

With the order to relocate the capital issued, Bianliang City, like a pavilion stripped of its pillars, showed signs of decline day by day. The once prime real estate along the Imperial Street and around Jinming Pond lost 30% of its value within a month.

Those noble families who relied on their ancestral property to occupy thousands of acres of land saw their assets shrink day by day.

The street-front shops that were once sought after for a fortune are now offered at half price, yet still no one is interested.

Some were eager to get rid of their properties, even willing to sell at 30% of the original price, just to get some cash for working capital. But the brokers just shook their heads, saying, "New districts have just been established in Yanjing. Who would want to throw money into this outdated place?"

The mansions that once stood next to the Prime Minister's residence were worth ten thousand strings of cash a year ago, but now, wealthy families are calculating that "empty houses will be unguarded after the capital is moved, and theft is bound to occur," so the value has plummeted to three thousand strings of cash and they are still hard to sell.

Even in the bustling Fanlou area, the owners of silk shops, restaurants, and gold and silver shops gather in teahouses every day, sighing. In the past, this prime location where "one shop could support three generations" has now seen rents halved, yet many tenants are still giving up their leases, saying they want to go with the imperial court to Yanjing to open new shops and are unwilling to stay here and starve.

Those powerful and influential families who had lingered in Bianliang for generations, even dozens of generations, owned estates on the outskirts of the city, pawnshops lining the streets, and many of their members held official positions in the capital. Even their ancestral graves were located in auspicious feng shui locations near the capital. Moving the capital to them would be tantamount to cutting off their lifeline—the devaluation of their land and houses was a minor matter; losing Bianliang's geographical advantage would mean their future foundation in the court and the lifeblood of their family businesses would be uprooted.

As a result, they began to engage in more clandestine activities.

Some people complained: "His Majesty's move is clearly intended to cut off our livelihood! Can that harsh and cold place of Yanjing compare to the prosperity of Bianliang? If we are moved, what will become of our ancestral property? Will our hundreds of family members starve?!"

Zheng Shen initially held a low-ranking official position in a provincial government, a position so low that he even sold his wife and children. His wife later married Zhang Yun, a famous general from Hedong, and his daughter, Zheng Xiansu, was sold into the palace as a maid.

Later, Zheng was married to Zhao Yu and became empress, and Zheng Shen began to rise rapidly in rank.

By now, Zheng Shen had been appointed by Zhao Yu as the military governor of Yinghai Army, and was granted the titles of Grand Tutor (a second-rank official) and Grand Master of the Palace (a first-rank official). Zheng Xiansu's two elder brothers, Zheng Yizhi and Zheng Chengzhi, were respectively the military governors of the Army and Navy and the military governor of Ande Army.

Thanks to Zheng Xiansu becoming empress, the Zheng family has become a new elite in the Song Dynasty, acquiring vast amounts of land and real estate in Bianliang City, becoming extremely wealthy.

The Zheng family is a prime example of how one person's success can bring prosperity to their entire family.

However, when the order to relocate the capital was issued, Zheng Shen saw that the prices of land, houses and shops in Bianliang had plummeted. He was heartbroken and really didn't want to go back to square one after more than ten years of hard work. So he wanted to go to the palace to talk to his daughter and see if he could ask Zhao Yu to postpone the relocation of the capital. He suggested that they sell their family property before moving the capital.

Upon meeting Zheng Xiansu, Zheng Shen said, “Moving the capital will severely damage my family’s property and cause unrest among my clan. Could you speak to His Majesty to postpone it?”

Feeling that this was somewhat inappropriate, Zheng Shen added, "The people of Bianliang wept upon hearing of the relocation of the capital, fearing it would cause a popular uprising." He also said, "Yanjing has just been established, and the people are not used to the local climate and water, which may harm the emperor's health."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Xiansu said with exasperation, "Foolish! In the face of matters of national importance, does my father only care about family property? Yanjing is strategically located and can secure the country; this is a matter of utmost importance. His Majesty's relocation of the capital is for the long-term benefit of the Song Dynasty. How can you obstruct this for your own selfish desires?"

He added, “If we neglect public duty for private gain and offend His Majesty, how can we protect our family property? We should send our clansmen to Yanjing as soon as possible; this is the right thing to do.”

Zheng Shen was speechless and could only lower his head in agreement, not mentioning the matter of delaying the relocation of the capital again, and returned home dejectedly.

Such incidents are not uncommon.

Such people are everywhere.

These people, whether openly or covertly, whether gathered together or scattered, were all plotting how to "delay" or even "abolish" the edict to relocate the capital.

Some proposed to submit a joint memorial listing the "drawbacks" of moving the capital; others wanted to incite merchants to strike and create panic; and some even dared to plot to "use the will of Heaven as a pretext."

For a time, beneath the prosperous surface of Bianliang City, undercurrents surged. In the mansions of the wealthy and powerful, lights shone brightly every night, and the sounds of scheming almost drowned out the gradually thinning noise in the streets. They believed that with their deep-rooted influence and extensive connections, they could surely sway the emperor's will.

Unbeknownst to them, even without Zhao Yu's intervention, with the cooperation of Zheng Xiansu and Zhao Shou, Cai Jing mobilized the Imperial City Guard and told Commander Li Yan: "Anyone in the capital who obstructs the relocation of the capital, regardless of their rank or status, who is involved in collusion, conspiracy, or incitement, shall be arrested. Do not let this information leak out!"

That very night, the Imperial City Guard's secret agents sprang into action like ghosts. The powerful nobles plotting within the mansions, the officials colluding to submit memorials, and the tycoons secretly instigating merchants were caught red-handed by the Imperial City Guard's secret agents who broke down the doors while they were still calculating under the lamplight. All the correspondence and conspiracy notes in their homes were searched, and they were caught red-handed.

Overnight, dozens of mansions were surrounded, and cries and shouts rose and fell in the darkness, but were deliberately suppressed so as not to disturb too many people in the city.

The following morning, Cai Jing sent the list and evidence presented by the Imperial City Guard to Yanjing for Zhao Yu to decide.

Upon reviewing the evidence, Zhao Yu was enraged and immediately drafted an edict: "Those who obstruct the relocation of the capital and form cliques for personal gain disregard the state and are traitors! Their property shall be confiscated and used to fund the relocation of the capital. The ringleaders shall be punished and exiled three thousand li away, never to return to the capital!"

When the imperial edict was sent back to Tokyo, the city of Bianliang was shaken.

Soldiers came in droves to raid homes. The mansions of once-illustrious officials, nobles, gentry, and wealthy merchants were sealed off. Criminals, wearing shackles, were escorted out of the city, their tattooed faces stark and shocking in the sunlight.

Upon witnessing this scene, those who opposed moving the capital fell silent.

After this incident, no one in Bianliang dared to openly criticize the relocation of the capital, and the undercurrents subsided.

Cai Jing stood by the window of the Prime Minister's residence, watching the street gradually calm down. A cold smile appeared on his lips. In the face of the Song Dynasty's long-lasting foundation, a few parasites are nothing to worry about.

"His Majesty has made up his mind to move the capital; anyone struggling for personal gain is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"

Thus, even before Zhao Yu returned, the Song Dynasty had already begun preparations for moving its capital, under the direction of powerful minister Cai Jing and others...

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(End of this chapter)