You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 101 Sharing the Emperor's Worries
Chen Shao's residence in Youzhou was the Dingnan Army's Chengxuan Division.

The "army" in Dingnan Army was actually a special local administrative unit with dual functions of military defense and administrative management, and was usually set up in strategic locations or border areas.

Because this unit combines military and political functions and wields too much power, it generally doesn't allocate a large territory.

The Dingnan Army was formed purely because this area was Western Xia territory, which Chen Shao himself had conquered.

When he was enfeoffed, he only had Yanzhou and Youzhou.

The troops under Chen Shao were also known as the Dingnan Army, which was a customary name.

Just as the troops of Fuyan Road were called Fuyan Army, and the troops of Jingyuan Road were called Jingyuan Army.

The term "定难军" has two meanings.

Many new military uniforms have now been produced and are being continuously transported to various places by caravans in Youzhou City.

Distinguishing himself from the traditional robes of the Song army gave Chen Shao a sense of exhilaration, as if he were independent of the Song Dynasty yet still reaping all its benefits.

He knew that he could enjoy his comforts for another year or two. Before Tong Guan launched his attack and suffered a major defeat, the court would need him to hold off the Western Xia.

During this period, the Song court will try its best to appease itself to prevent trouble from breaking out in the rear.

His Chengxuan Division was relatively simple in its layout. The main hall resembled the hall of a military commander, and now it was filled with more than a dozen staff members and secretaries, responsible for daily administration.

Some merchants were sitting in the hall, and Chen Shao sat at the head of the table and spoke with them.

Although Chen Shao felt that there was some truth to the ancients' emphasis on agriculture and suppression of commerce, the Dingnan Five Prefectures were now entirely revitalized by merchants.

The Song Dynasty was already quite open-minded towards merchants, and Chen Shao's approach was arguably even more so.

As they chatted, they talked about the relationship between people's hearts, profit sharing, and business operations, and Chen Shao found that they were quite knowledgeable.

When it came to recruiting female workers to sew battle robes, the merchants said that this method could not be implemented in the Central Plains. If female workers were recruited, who would manage them?

When a group of women gather together, they are easily beaten by family members if a man tries to intervene.

If someone is actually killed, the law does not punish the masses, and local officials may even side with the family members who gathered to beat the person.

Chen Shao chuckled and said, "Even here, you must be careful, report to me frequently, and absolutely not take the opportunity to seduce respectable women. Otherwise, I will not punish you because of the sheer number of people here."

The merchants smiled and flattered him, saying that the general was truly witty.

People in border areas are relatively more pragmatic, especially in the northwest where there is constant warfare.

Life is uncertain, so who cares about those upsetting things?

However, if something truly excessive happens, it is almost a consensus among all government departments to favor the common people rather than the businessmen.

If you make money easily, you have to take risks; you absolutely cannot incite a popular uprising.

if not
Let us drink together from this golden goblet, for even the sharpest blade will not spare us.

Of course, as long as you take this matter to heart and do it properly, instead of just focusing on making money, there will definitely be no problem.

At noon, the merchants elected Tan Lin as their leader and said with a smile, "We have prepared lunch at a restaurant in the city. We wonder if the General would do us the honor of joining us."

Chen Shao waved his hand and laughed, "I don't like the food outside. We haven't had enough of chatting yet, so let's prepare some wine and dishes at my residence and eat together."

He was unwilling to go out to banquets, and it would be very difficult to detect poisoning in food and drink these days.

The idea of ​​pricking someone with a silver needle is pure nonsense; even having someone taste the food won't detect a slow-acting poison.

Everyone was flattered and grateful, and bowed to express their thanks.

After passing a group of guards, the group arrived at the banquet hall. Guards came in to set up tables, and the merchants were somewhat uneasy.

After we sat down and chatted for a while, the food was finally ready.

Each small table is set with three dishes and a soup, plus a small dish of pickled vegetables.

Chen Shao laughed and said, "I'm sorry for the poor hospitality. This is what I usually eat."

The merchants did not suspect that he was deliberately humiliating them, because everyone could see that Chen Shao was indeed eating the same food as them.

The maids serving the dishes here were also dark-skinned and exceptionally plain-looking, with not a single delicate or beautiful maid among them.

They couldn't help but feel more respect for Chen Shao.

Although the Dingnan Army was newly established, it was not poor. As long as Chen Shao wanted, he could live a life of luxury.

It's terrifying that a military commander at his age, wielding immense power, could restrain his desires.

Chen Shao asked the guards to pour them wine, then smiled and raised his cup, saying, "I have always felt that the so-called way of commerce is to use carriages, horses, and boats to exchange goods for what is available, and to make a profit from the price difference."

"The five prefectures of Dingnan are a natural trade route. I am willing to contribute money and manpower to improve the roads. I also encourage you all to set up carriage and horse trading companies in Youzhou, Yinzhou, Hongzhou and other places to take more of the goods produced in our five prefectures of Dingnan out and bring in more of the goods we are in short supply."

Tan Lin immediately stood up, raised a glass of wine, and said, "General's words are very insightful. We will certainly do our utmost!"

Chen Shao nodded. He could temporarily requisition these means of transportation when the war started.
Chen Shao would need their help in many other ways, so he was already being quite polite to them.

This is actually quite rare, especially in the Northwest, where these merchants all have the background of Western Army generals.

But Chen Shao didn't care. When the northern lands were trampled by iron hooves, all order was destroyed.

The rise and fall of the nation is of utmost importance; everything else must give way to it.

After seeing the merchants off, Chen Shao had someone take stock of the gifts they had brought.

Cui Lin was holding an account book, wanting to make some notes, but Chen Shao waved his hand, saying, "Why bother making these notes? It's petty!"

After he finished speaking, he picked up a piece of paper with writing on it and read it carefully three times.

Then, he blew on the still-wet ink a few times, and Cui Lin quickly grabbed a jade paperweight to press down the Xuan paper.

"What is this?" Chen Shao pointed to the muddy-colored thing in the box, which was larger than a Jerusalem artichoke.

The box looks very exquisite; it must be a good item.

Cui Lin hurriedly said, "General, this is Panax notoginseng, a top-quality three-year-old variety, also known as 'Leopard Head'. The physician in our manor said that Panax notoginseng has the effect of nourishing qi and blood, and can also treat headaches. This stuff is only available in Dali. Panax notoginseng of this quality is large and rare, and it is extremely difficult to buy it from other places."

Chen Shao nodded and said, "Take them all! Take them with you and this letter, and give them to Grand Tutor Cai. Don't worry, as long as you give him your name, he will definitely accept them."

Cui Lin said, "Aren't you going to keep some for yourself?"

Chen Shao laughed and said, "No rush, no rush. He won't use it all; he can get it back sooner or later. Don't forget the most important thing I told you—be sure to be meticulous!"

Cui Lin straightened his expression and bowed, saying, "Your subordinate will certainly not forget!"

“Alright,” Chen Shao said. “I’ll have Zhao Shan take a few reliable guards with you. Once you get to Bianliang, don’t wander around aimlessly. Just gather some useful intelligence each day. If all else fails, just stay at the Daxiangguo Temple and do nothing.”

"If anyone wants to find me, Chen Shao, they just need to know where to look." Cui Lin nodded.

Although Bianliang no longer imposes many restrictions on him, Chen Shao still needs a channel to communicate with the powerful figures in Bianliang.

At least for the time being, Bianliang should not cause trouble for itself.

He sent Cui Lin to deliver gifts, and then had him stay at the Daxiangguo Temple, which essentially established a "Dingnan Army Liaison Office" in Bianliang.

The reason he chose Cai Jing was that although Cai Jing had been dismissed from his post as prime minister, the current official structure of the Song Dynasty was actually built by him.

Even after ruling the country for so many years, local officials still followed his lead. Sometimes, Chen Shao needed the cooperation of local officials.

Liang Shicheng, Wang Fu, Cai You, and others were nothing but sycophants and power-hungry individuals who could offer no real help in important matters.

Chen Shao patted Cui Lin on the shoulder, as if brushing dust off him, and said with a smile, "The journey is long, be careful."

Cui Lin paused for a moment, then clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply.

After he left, Chen Shao looked down at his hands and found it somewhat amusing.

His constant desire to perform has become muscle memory; he never forgets to win people's hearts wherever he goes.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind: what if he wasn't just acting, but really was that kind of person?

Cui Lin had been with him for so long; his concern just now might not have been feigned, but simply a genuine expression of his feelings.
He nodded, agreeing with the idea; he was definitely a good commander who cared about his subordinates.

Kind-hearted and compassionate, with the heart of a child!
Back in the back garden, the sun was shining brightly and a gentle breeze was blowing, making for a pleasant afternoon.

Li Shishi, Jin Mo'er, and Jin Ye'er were hiding under the pavilion, chatting about something.

Upon seeing Chen Shao arrive, the three of them stood up, their smiles widening.

Surprisingly, the three of them got along quite well, because Li Shishi wasn't a jealous person; she was just a little bothered by Chen Shao and Chun Tao's relationship.

The two Qiang women, being vixens, naturally wanted to get closer to Li Shishi, seeing how much Chen Shao favored her.

Upon entering the pavilion, Chen Shao sat down next to Li Shishi, took her hand, placed it on his lap, and asked with a smile, "What are you two talking about?"

Jin Mo'er smiled and said, "We were talking about Madam."

Chen Shao looked at them suspiciously.

Jin Ye'er lowered her head, looking timid, as if she was very afraid of Chen Shao.

Actually, it's all fake. Jin Ye'er is even more dramatic than her sister. Usually, she has big, wide eyes and fluttering eyelashes, looking innocent and naive. But in bed, she's the real expert.

Li Shishi said with a charming smile, "Madam is a daughter of a military family. I wonder if she is fierce or not. If she can't tolerate us, could you please protect us, sir?"

“You’re still covering me? I’m going to flank you! Do you think this is a war?” Chen Shao patted her thigh and laughed. “I’m going to do something big, and I’m most afraid of domestic unrest. If anyone causes trouble, I’ll pull down their pants and spank them.”

Li Shishi laughed and said, "She came here to seek refuge with her husband on her own. She has no official status or obligations and was hoping to be loved and cared for. Who knew she would suffer such a fate? Why don't you return the money to me, so we can part amicably?"

Chen Shao touched his eyebrows. "Why bring this up for no reason? Talking about money is too hurtful. Have you forgotten who we are?"

Li Shishi quickly tugged at him, stopping him from saying those sweet nothings from their private room.

"By the way, it's not good that Madam hasn't returned. Didn't the young master send someone to fetch her?"

Chen Shao nodded and said, "I really forgot. I'll have someone go over there in a bit."

The Privy Council has issued an official document ordering Zhong Shidao and Zhong Shizhong to lead troops to provide cover, and to begin preparations immediately, ready to depart at any time.

When a large army goes on a long expedition, there are many things to prepare, and it is common to give orders in advance.

However, since the order has been issued, it means that the departure date is not far away. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the war should begin within a year at most.

Chen Shao had brothers by Tong Guan's side. Although he had fallen out with Xuan Shuai on the surface, these people still had to show their loyalty and not associate with him.

In reality, they continued to exchange letters privately.

It is said that Commander Xuan has decided that Wang Bing will serve as the commander of the vanguard, and Yang Zhi and Zhao Ming will serve as the vanguard.

The main force consisted of 100,000 Western troops, of which 30,000 were Tong Guan's victorious army, 50,000 were Liu Yanqing's Fuyan army, and the remaining 20,000 were fabricated.

The Hebei border army numbered about 50,000, making them a formidable force. The saying "carrying bamboo spears and wearing paper armor" perfectly describes them.

The war hasn't even started yet, but the news is already spreading because the location for this campaign against Liao is very competitive.

In Bianliang City, countless powerful and wealthy people lined up to place their sons in the city to gain military merit.

Those with connections should go to Tong Guan to curry favor; those with power should go to Tong Guan to negotiate terms.
If you have nothing, then offer money or beautiful women. Or, you'll go to great lengths to fawn over them and flatter them relentlessly.

Tong Guan was extremely annoyed. He used to devote seven or eight tenths of his energy to pre-battle preparations, but now he had to devote nine tenths to dealing with them.

Bianliang was already convinced that they would win this battle, after all, the Liao Dynasty was simply too weak.

How could they possibly cope with 150,000 elite Song soldiers when they were defeated by a small tribe of less than 200,000 people?

Everyone was scrambling to get in, afraid of missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If we reclaim the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyan, this battle might just result in the conferment of a royal title and several marquises.

Without the war against Liao, no matter what merits you have made in ordinary times, you cannot obtain this title.

Therefore, whoever got what official position or post in the expedition against Liao had become a source of bragging rights for the纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy families in Bianliang).

Chen Shao knew that before that, Tong Guan seemed to have to deal with Fang La's rebellion.

This was a lucrative post, but Tong Guan might not be willing to take it, because his soldiers would have to return from the north to the south and then fight in Hebei.

In a short period of time, one must travel from Hebei to Jiangnan, then fight a battle in Jiangnan, and then return to Hebei from Jiangnan. Just hearing about it is exhausting.

A long and arduous expedition will inevitably leave everyone exhausted!
If possible, I would be happy to help him make this trip.

Fang La's rebellion destroyed Hangzhou and wiped out the wealth of countless landlords, gentry, and officials.

If I could go to Jiangnan to quell the rebellion
You're sure to make a fortune!

The Xiang Army was incompetent and could not defeat Fang La at all, while the Western Army had all gone to attack Liao.

If he were to offer his services voluntarily, or if he were to find a powerful figure in the court to recommend him, the chances of him being able to go to Jiangnan to quell the rebellion would be quite high.

This move also did Tong Xuanshuai a great favor, allowing his men to avoid running back and forth between the north and south, and perhaps they wouldn't have suffered such a crushing defeat.

Chen Shao only knew that Tong Guan suffered a crushing defeat in this battle, but he had no idea why he lost.

If he can win, that would be even better!
Or if the defeat wasn't so devastating, it would preserve more strength for the later resistance against the Jin.

(End of this chapter)