The prince is more stable

Chapter 920 Could He Be a Subject of the King?
With a single sentence from Zhao Xiaoqian, the big boss of Bianjing City made a dazzling appearance.

Those who hold a position must fulfill their responsibilities.

From the emperor's perspective, the profession of idler was a low-class class in Bianjing, but it also had many uncontrollable aspects, leaving many hidden dangers in terms of Bianjing's security.

It must be admitted that Zhao Xiaoqian had once received a favor from the idle people of Bianjing. Whether it was to help him investigate a case or to help him seize the throne, Zhang Xiaoyi had mobilized the power of the common people to create momentum for him, stir up public opinion, and thus influence the court's decision-making.

Now that Zhao Xiaoqian has become the emperor of the Song Dynasty, he is well aware of the terrifying power of public opinion, so he must keep this power in his own hands.

Zhang Xiaoyi is undoubtedly the only person who can help him control this power.

Since ancient times, the role of city foxes and temple rats has been very powerful. They can help investigate cases and create momentum, just like an ancient version of the Heavenly Eye system. They can find anyone they want to find, discover any clues in any case, and influence public opinion without anyone noticing.

In this respect, even the Imperial City Guard cannot compare.

The Imperial City Guard's role is at the national level. The spies and informants they plant can mostly only be concentrated among the powerful and high-ranking officials of their own side or the enemy country. However, they simply do not have the power to control public opinion.

Only Zhao Xiaoqian, because of his own experience, truly understands the importance of public opinion.

"The idlers in Bianjing City who make a living need a strict organization and management. It is undeniable that the court does need to control them. But conversely, the idlers' basic needs for food and clothing have also come into the court's sight. If the idlers cannot support themselves, the court will take care of them."

Zhao Xiaoqian looked at Zhang Xiaoyi and said seriously, "Don't think that the court only knows how to control and doesn't care about their lives. The Great Song Dynasty under my rule does not want to see anyone starve to death."

Zhang Xiaoyi nodded: "I understand. From the moment I met you, I knew you were a good person. A good person who becomes emperor can't be too bad."

"The affairs of the imperial court are too complicated. Even if you explain them to me, I won't understand. I only know that listening to you is the right thing to do, and you won't harm me."

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed heartily. It felt really good to be trusted without reservation.

In this respect, the officials in the imperial court could not do it.

Not only could they not do it, they would also find ways to contradict the emperor, secretly plotting and causing sabotage.

Ultimately, there are too many conflicting and opposing interests between the ruler and his subjects, making it difficult for them to be of one mind and of one heart.

"Officials and runners in Kaifeng will secretly help you integrate the idle people in Bianjing City, bringing them under your command whether they like it or not."

"From now on, it's up to you to see how you subdue them. If you encounter any unruly and stubborn idlers that you can't subdue, you can tell Lu Changheng. He has a way to deal with those unruly guys."

Zhang Xiaoyi nodded, and Lu Changheng, who was standing solemnly to the side, hurriedly bowed to receive the order, then smiled at Zhang Xiaoyi with a friendly and approachable expression.

"Later, I will issue an order to the river officials in the Kaifeng section of the Yellow River. If there are any idle people who can't get enough to eat no matter what, send them to repair the Yellow River dikes. This is a long and arduous project. The emperors of the Song Dynasty have never stopped repairing the river. They can go to work whenever they want and be fed whenever they want."

“Lu Changheng, you should also keep an eye out for those folk craftspeople, such as those who make kilns, brew wine, weave cloth, cooks, and so on…”

"Kaifeng Prefecture can spend some money to hire these craftsmen and find a place to teach them regularly. As long as the idlers are willing to learn a skill, they can be taught for free. If they master a skill to make a living, they should be unlikely to starve to death."

Lu Changheng bowed and accepted the order.

Zhang Xiaoyi was deeply moved. For the first time in his life, he knelt down on both knees before Zhao Xiaoqian and kowtowed respectfully.

Zhao Xiaoqian was startled: "What kind of etiquette is this? What does it mean?"

Zhang Xiaoyi looked up, his eyes already red: "On behalf of my suffering brothers, I thank the government for saving my life!"

Zhao Xiaoqian was also slightly moved and said, "Our friendship doesn't need to be like this. A calm and respectful 'godfather' is more than enough."

Zhang Xiaoyi grinned, but Lu Changheng, who was listening nearby, was secretly alarmed.

This Zhang Xiaoyi, who appeared out of nowhere, has a very mysterious identity. He is clearly a poor commoner, yet he can interact with officials on an equal footing, and it is obvious that the officials have a very deep relationship with him. They joke around so unrestrainedly, it's as if they are brothers.

In officialdom, once you've reached this position, who isn't a seasoned veteran?

From that moment on, Zhang Xiaoyi's name and appearance were deeply etched in Lu Changheng's memory.

In his mind, Zhang Xiaoyi's status was instantly elevated, reaching a level almost equivalent to that of a "commoner prime minister".

This commoner's casual words in front of the officials are worth thousands of words from Prime Minister Zhang of the State Council. His words carry so much weight, how can he not be considered a "prime minister"?
"The imperial court provides a way for idlers to make a living, but on the other hand, the imperial court also needs to control the idlers in the city, especially public opinion in the city, so that the idlers can't cause trouble for the imperial court. Can you understand this?" Zhao Xiaoqian asked.

Zhang Xiaoyi nodded: "I understand, and it's only right. Idlers are just trying to make a living. If they can survive, no one will dare to cause trouble for the court. I can guarantee that from now on, there will be no messy rumors in Bianjing, especially those targeting the court and the officials."

"If the court has any needs, or wants to create any rumors or momentum among the people, the idle men of Bianjing can serve the court and the emperor."

Zhao Xiaoqian chuckled, "Excellent, this is exactly what I wanted." He stood up and looked around, then suddenly asked, "Hey? Where's my son?"

Upon closer inspection, one could see Zhao Hao rolling around alone in the yard, holding a thin twig, chasing after Zhang Xiaoyi's chickens all over the place, his body filthy like a mud monkey.

Behind him, Zheng Chunhe followed closely. He wanted to dissuade Zhao Hao from his playful antics but dared not, so he could only follow behind to protect him. His old face showed undisguised doting affection.

Zhang Xiaoyi was taken aback. Others might not know, but he did. This was the eldest son of the Song Dynasty emperor, a man of extremely high status, yet he was now as dirty as if he had rolled in mud.

"I...I'll fetch a basin of water for the little prince and give him a wash," Zhang Xiaoyi said hurriedly.

Zhao Xiaoqian waved his hand dismissively: "No need. Boys should be like this. Have you ever seen a boy who is always clean and spotless? It's not a bad thing for a boy to be a little lively, naughty, and dirty when he's young. Let him be."

After a pause, Zhao Xiaoqian added, "As long as he doesn't grab a handful of shit and stuff it in his mouth, nothing else matters."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Xiaoqian inadvertently noticed that Zhao Hao suddenly sat on the ground, his dirty little hands grabbing a lump of dark stuff and putting it into his mouth.

Zhao Xiaoqian's gaze sharpened, and after a moment's pause, he immediately jumped up, rushing forward almost simultaneously with Zheng Chunhe.

"You can't even eat chicken droppings! Is this brat stupid?!" Zhao Xiaoqian exclaimed anxiously.

Zhang Xiaoyi looked disgusted: "…………"

"By the way, tell your wife to go buy some fish quickly. Remember to buy live mandarin fish, the plump and tender kind. She's just waiting to have a taste of yours."

Zhang Xiaoyi smiled, turned around and told his wife to go out and buy fish.

Zheng Chunhe, who was serving Zhao Hao, filled a basin with water and wiped his face and little hands.

The little rascal who was covered in mud just moments ago has transformed back into a fair and lovely porcelain doll after being washed. He looks so adorable that you can't help but want to hold him in your hands.

Zhang Xiaoyi looked at Zhao Hao with a smile, and Zhao Hao also looked up at him curiously. Their eyes met, and the smile in Zhang Xiaoyi's eyes deepened.

"Can I...can I hug him?" Zhang Xiaoyi asked nervously.

Zhao Xiaoqian grabbed Zhao Hao by the back of his neck with one hand, lifted him up, and swung him around in mid-air like he was hanging clothes to dry, before handing him to Zhang Xiaoyi.

The simple and brutal action made Zheng Chunhe, who had been carefully protecting the young prince, feel his heart clench. He dared not say anything, and his old face turned purple with suppressed anger.

"Hold me as much as you want, play with me as much as you want, just don't break it," Zhao Xiaoqian said generously.

Zhang Xiaoyi took Zhao Hao and carefully held him in her arms, as if she were holding a priceless gem, afraid of dropping or bumping him, with a joyful and loving expression on her face.

Zhao Xiaoqian clicked his tongue and said, "There's no need to be so careful. It's not a bad thing for boys to live a rough life. They'll grow up to be broad-minded and generous."

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian took Zhao Hao, lifted him high and spun him around. Zhao Hao laughed heartily and excitedly, clearly very pleased.

Finally, Zhao Xiaoqian handed the child to Zhang Xiaoyi and said, "See? This is how kids play to have fun."

Zhao Xiaoqian had never been a father in his previous life, but he had heard some experiences of being a parent.

The saying goes, "Raise the first child by the book, raise the second child like a pig."

When it came to Zhao Xiaoqian, he simply skipped the process of "raising pigs according to the book" and raised them directly like pigs.

Boys shouldn't be spoiled too much, otherwise they'll grow up to be effeminate and petty. What if they end up as petty sissies?
Zhang Xiaoyi's eyelids twitched.

You're the biological father, so of course you dare to play like this. If I dared to play like this with the only eldest son of the Song Dynasty emperor, I would be drowned in the spittle of the court officials in Bianjing.

After a long while, Zhang Xiaoyi's wife returned with a bamboo basket containing three live mandarin fish, as well as some seasonal vegetables, meat, and eggs.

Zhao Xiaoqian laughed: "Sister-in-law, you've worked hard. Please hurry up and cook. We've been waiting for your steamed fish."

When the emperor addressed her as "sister-in-law," Zhang Xiaoyi's wife nearly knelt down. She tried to calm herself, bowed to Zhao Xiaoqian, and then hurriedly ran back to the kitchen, refusing to come out again.

Zhang Xiaoyi held Zhao Hao in his arms, his affection for him evident.

Zhao Xiaoqian pursed his lips and said, "Sister-in-law is virtuous and gentle. You've been married for so long, it's time to try and have a child of your own."

"When you have kids in the future, whether they're boys or girls, let them play with my rascal son. That'll make their childhood more interesting."

(End of this chapter)