The prince is more stable

Chapter 445: Prince of Jin
What kind of cow or horse can resist a man who is still growing...

After being together for such a long time, Li Qingchen probably understood the character of this Duke of Zhao.

This duke had all the faults of the dandy young men of Bianjing: he loved delicious food, beautiful women, was lazy and extravagant, and was careless...

In the eyes of those moral scholars, Zhao Xiaoqian was full of flaws and was unpleasant in every way.

But it was such a person with so many problems that he was able to command the troops on the battlefield and make strategies, and he actually reversed the fate of the Song Dynasty and won national dignity.

Who can I talk to?
Now Li Qingchen has convinced himself that capable people are probably all different from others in this way.

On the contrary, those who live meticulously and are as self-disciplined as monks, act in accordance with rules and regulations, and can only do uncreative work step by step throughout their lives. Until their death, they will still be mediocre and unable to shoulder major responsibilities.

From this perspective, it is a different kind of happiness for Li Qingchen to be able to serve under Duke Zhao.

At least in the days to come, he might be able to witness the achievements of Duke Zhao with his own eyes, and see to what heights he can bring the Song Dynasty. He might even be able to completely reverse the weak national situation of the Song Dynasty, making the Song Dynasty a true successor to the prosperous Tang Dynasty and truly become the orthodox power in the Central Plains.

Oxen and horses are not only hardworking and willing to work hard, but they can also consciously practice self-PUA.

Zhao Xiaoqian didn't need to explain a word; Li Qingchen had already completed his self-improvement plan. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he should work diligently under the command of Duke Zhao, guard the rear for him, and contribute to the prosperity of the Song Dynasty...

So Li Qingchen said goodbye happily and planned to go back to the government office to work overtime for free.

Of course Zhao Xiaoqian was eager for him to leave quickly. At this moment, he was still thinking about the three women in the backyard. He had more than a month's savings, and if he squeezed them out, he could still have some. If he didn't squeeze himself dry, wouldn't it be a waste of the hard work of running back to Zhending City from the camp?
So Zhao Xiaoqian politely sent Li Qingchen out the door.

When he reached the door, Li Qingchen looked at the dilapidated and simple house, and his expression became more respectful.

He was clearly a meritorious official of the imperial court and a duke of the imperial clan. He could have enjoyed wealth and luxury and led a life of debauchery. But look at his house, it was so simple and shabby, even worse than that of an ordinary middle-class family in the Song Dynasty.

Family members, who knows?

He really made me cry to death...

"My Lord, after confiscating the property of Liu Qianliang and other criminals, the government office still has a lot of money. Liu Qianliang's mansion is also quite luxurious and exquisite. If you don't mind, why not move to Liu Qianliang's former mansion? I will allocate some money from the government treasury to help with the renovations. What do you think?"

Zhao Xiaoqian was stunned. Is he so proactive?

On second thought, he actually felt that the house he currently lived in was too small and too shabby. He rented it in the first place because he had no money. Zhending Prefecture was in a state of disrepair and there was no need to spend money on such personal matters.

Now that the property of a number of convicted officials has been confiscated, the government office has indeed become much richer.

So... after spending your whole life investigating corrupt officials, can't you just enjoy yourself?
Of course, he really wanted a mansion, but he also had to be careful about his manners. Everyone knew that Duke Zhao was a good official who was as clean as water.

Zhao Xiaoqian then said solemnly, "Our duty as an official is to benefit the people. You and I are both officials of the imperial court, entrusted with the heavy responsibility of the government. We should put the welfare of the people under our jurisdiction first. As for personal enjoyment, it is insignificant. Every brick and tile of our mansion and courtyard is made of the people's blood and sweat. We cannot bear to waste it!"

Li Qingchen was stunned for a moment, then immediately stood in awe, with a look of shame on his face.

I actually wanted to corrupt the Duke of Zhao with my extravagant and debauched lifestyle. I really deserve to die...

"I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong! Let's not mention this matter again. Please forgive me, my humble servant Meng Lang." Li Qingchen hurriedly bowed his head and admitted his mistake.

After saying this, Li Qingchen bowed deeply, turned around and left.

Zhao Xiaoqian became anxious.

Damn, is this overacting?

I can't leave! If you leave, who will give me the mansion?
He quickly grabbed Li Qingchen's sleeve.

Li Qingchen turned around in surprise and saw Zhao Xiaoqian looking helpless.

"Old Li,...are you going to keep insisting? Use your eloquence to convince me to accept the mansion. I'm easily persuaded. I'm easily convinced..."

"Ah?" Li Qingchen was stunned. After a long pause, he stammered, "How about...reluctantly accepting Liu Qianliang's residence?"

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyes lit up immediately. "You're such a great speaker! I can't do anything with you. You actually managed to convince me..."

"It would be unkind of me not to agree to such a simple and sincere request. Well, I'll give you a favor and reluctantly move into Liu Qianliang's mansion."

Li Qingchen: “…………”

Duke Zhao, I really don’t understand you!

Reflecting on his words just now, Zhao Xiaoqian thought that his eating manners were very elegant, but he still had to make an excuse for himself.

"Old Li, don't think I'm getting a great deal by living in this mansion. You know, it's the residence of a convicted official. There must be something wrong with the feng shui inside. It's unlucky for anyone who walks in. I even had to pay a Taoist priest to do a divination and fix the feng shui... I've suffered a huge loss."

Li Qingchen nodded expressionlessly, "Yes, Lord Zhao has suffered greatly. Fortunately, you are the father and mother of Zhending Prefecture. Suffering for the people is a great merit. Please do the difficult thing."

Zhao Xiaoqian's entire expression brightened.

I just like chatting with sensible people. Look, the atmosphere was so harmonious for a while, it was so refreshing. "I will have the government servants clean up the place, and the county magistrate can move in tomorrow."

"Okay, okay, thank you for your hard work." Zhao Xiaoqian said with a smile.

The two said goodbye to each other again. Li Qingchen had just taken a step when he saw a group of armored imperial guards coming from the end of the street, beating gongs as they walked. Upon closer inspection, he saw that these imperial guards were surrounding a middle-aged man wearing a purple official robe and riding a horse.

Li Qingchen and Zhao Xiaoqian looked at each other in surprise.

Zhao Xiaoqian immediately frowned and muttered, "This guy is so famous that he even has the Imperial Guards clearing the way for him in the city. Who is he? Old Li, do you know him?"

Li Qingchen shook his head in confusion. "I don't recognize him, but he's wearing a purple official uniform, so he must be at least a fourth-rank official. But there's no such person in Zhending Prefecture."

Zhao Xiaoqian grew increasingly annoyed. He stared at the official who was getting closer and closer, muttering with a malicious look, "He's surrounded by so many people, his presence is even greater than mine... Zhending Prefecture won't allow anyone more powerful than me to exist."

He was thinking about how to give this powerful official a severe blow to his authority, but the official arrived not far from the door of Zhao Xiaoqian's mansion amid the sound of gongs and drums.

This man was obviously quite knowledgeable about the rules. About a hundred steps away from the door, the official dismounted and walked over. He held a roll of yellow silk high in his hand, and his expression was pious and solemn.

As he got closer, Zhao Xiaoqian looked at him carefully and finally recognized the man.

We were considered acquaintances, having met twice. Zhang Shangying, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat in the Bian Jing court, was the one who announced the imperial edict to Zhao Xiaoqian every time he was away from home. He was a true angel, the kind that could fly across the country.

When Zhang Shangying saw Zhao Xiaoqian and the other person at the door, a smile appeared on his face and he held the yellow silk in his hand higher.

When Zhang Shangying reached Zhao Xiaoqian, before he could speak, Zhao Xiaoqian asked in confusion, "Why are you here again?"

Zhang Shangying was stunned: "Huh?"

"Zhang Sheren, did you offend anyone in Bianjing? Why are you the one who always goes out of the capital to announce the imperial edict? Is there no one else who will take on such a difficult job?"

Zhang Shangying: “…………”

Then a look of enlightenment appeared on Zhao Xiaoqian's face. He understood without Zhang Shangying's explanation.

Another hardworking ox or horse.

"Don't leave in a hurry after the decree is announced. My family has the best fodder...well, the best food." Zhao Xiaoqian sighed sympathetically.

Zhang Shangying immediately showed gratitude: "Thank you, Lord Zhao, ah, no, it's His Royal Highness the Prince of Zhao."

"Huh?" Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingchen were surprised.

Zhang Shangying quickly adjusted his expression and returned to his solemn look. He slowly unfolded the yellow silk in his hand in front of Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingchen.

Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingchen immediately knelt down to listen to the order.

The imperial guards and the people watching behind Zhang Shangying also knelt down.

"I declare: I believe that the virtues of heaven and earth are in harmony, that order is established both internally and externally, and that peace and harmony are flourishing..."

"...Only by honoring his merits and bringing honor to the temple can Zhao Xiaoqian be promoted to the title of 'Prince of Hejian', and be granted a Prince's mansion in Bianjing, three hundred taels of gold, a thousand pieces of tribute silk from Bozhou, a bushel of pearls, and an additional fief of a thousand households. His wife, Lady Di, can be named the Prince's principal wife. With great respect."

Zhao Xiaoqian was a little confused. This string of standard imperial edicts was so difficult to understand that he could not comprehend it at all. It was not until Li Qingchen, who was kneeling behind him, quietly poked his butt to remind him that Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly came to his senses and hurriedly prostrated himself to express his gratitude.

After standing up, before Zhao Xiaoqian could say anything, Zhang Shangying and Li Qingchen came forward and saluted with a smile.

"This humble official congratulates His Royal Highness the Prince."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded woodenly, then finally reacted.

"Does that mean I'm a prince?"

Zhang Shangying smiled and said, "Indeed, during the Song-Liao War, Your Highness the Prince commanded the army and annihilated nearly 50,000 enemies. This was an unprecedented victory since the founding of the Great Song Dynasty. The emperor has awarded him a title based on his merits, and he is well-deserving of the title of Prince."

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed, but he didn't feel very happy.

Most of the royal family members were born with titles. It was purely a matter of reincarnation skills. The only difference was the level of the title. Now that he was promoted from a Duke to a Prince, Zhao Xiaoqian felt a brief moment of joy in his heart, but his mood soon calmed down.

"Prince of Hejian?" Zhao Xiaoqian frowned and muttered to himself.

This title is quite meaningful. Hejian Prefecture is located within the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, which is under the rule of the Liao Kingdom. Zhao Xu gave him the title of "Prince of Hejian", which obviously meant that he should fight with the Liao Kingdom as soon as possible and take back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun as soon as possible.

Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but smile bitterly. After all, this official was still young and had limited patience. Once he set up an ambitious goal, he wanted to realize it immediately.

Given the current situation of the Song and Liao dynasties, it is not impossible to take back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, but it will still cost a relatively high price.

This is no longer a simple military matter, but involves many issues such as politics, economy, national strength, and the balance of forces among neighboring countries around the world.

(End of this chapter)