You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 112 A clear conscience
On the way back, when they arrived at Zhaoting Mountain in Xuanzhou, Chen Shao rewarded the three armies.

This competition was tough, but the rewards were plentiful.

Most of the casualties did not occur on the battlefield, but rather due to acclimatization issues or disease.

Everyone had a happy expression on their face.

The commander was truly decisive; he rewarded those who made merits and punished those who made mistakes.

Enforcing military discipline is actually quite simple. Just do these two things, and you'll establish absolute authority. Military discipline and conduct will then change according to your intentions.

Whoever pays your salary, you have to listen to their orders—this is an age-old truth.

Some people want to exploit their soldiers and have their subordinates work for them, but that's pure fantasy.

As dusk approached, Chen Shao saw a temple ahead and ordered his men to rest there.

The temple was small, and the simple rooms were furnished with some bedding. Chen Shao and his four personal guards squeezed into one room.

The soldiers started a fire and cooked a meal on the back hill.

The monks were initially a little scared, but later, when they were starving, they all stepped forward to ask for some porridge.

Chen Shao asked curiously, "Don't you have incense burning here?"

The old monk's face fell. "There used to be some, but lately, with all this trouble with Zhu..." At this point, he suddenly remembered that this was a military officer of the imperial court, and he trembled with fear, no longer daring to speak.

Chen Shao understood that he was referring to Zhu Mian.

That bastard really messed up Jiangnan.

However, the root cause still lies with Emperor Huizong of Song.

His tacit approval and indulgence allowed his subordinates to act so recklessly.

For his own little hobby, he has caused the deaths of countless people. Due to the exploitation and plundering by the "Bureau of Imperial Sacrifices" and the "Gifts of Flowers and Stones", countless families in Jiangnan have been ruined and people have died.

The responsibility for Fang La's uprising largely lies with Zhu Mian and his son.

This grandson set up the "Yingfeng Bureau" in Suzhou to collect rare flowers and stones from the Jiangnan region for Emperor Huizong of Song, and transported them to the capital by waterway. This is the infamous "Flower and Stone Tribute" in history.

By presenting the "Divine Fortune Stone" (a giant Taihu stone), he was directly granted the title of "Marquis of Pangu" and rose to the position of Military Governor of Weiyuan, becoming the de facto ruler of the southeast.

In the Northwest, countless people have fought for generations without ever achieving a title, while others only need to offer a stone.

With an emperor like this, how can one expect the empire to last forever?
His actions absolutely deserved his fate, and it might even be said that he got off too easily.

Despite causing such a huge mess, Zhu Mian and his son did not die; they were merely stripped of their power in Jiangnan.

In fact, if it weren't for Fang La, Zhu Mian would have been the local tyrant of the southeast long ago; he established his own regime even earlier than Chen Shao.

He privately established "several thousand personal guards," and local officials were required to kneel and worship the character "勔" written by him. In fact, he had formed an armed force independent of the imperial court.

He seized grain transport fleets, destroyed bridges, and dismantled city gates to transport massive stones. Fang La was able to conquer so many prefectures and counties largely because he demolished the city walls.

The family members held official positions throughout the prefectures and counties, and the region was known as the "small court in the southeast," which led to judicial corruption and rampant wrongful convictions in Jiangnan!

It wasn't until later, on the eve of the Jingkang Incident, that the Zhao Song dynasty, driven to the brink of collapse, began to settle scores with Zhu Mian in order to quell public anger.

When they confiscated family property back then, records say that "gold, silver and jewels were endless," meaning they couldn't take everything away even after several months.
Seeing the general, the old monk offered him some porridge and rice. After finishing his meal, he respectfully said, "May I ask the general's name? This humble monk is willing to lead the monks of the temple to pray for the general's well-being. May Buddha bless the general with fame, fortune, and longevity."

Chen Shao laughed and said, "Buddha taught that all desires are empty, and that we should cast aside all worldly desires. How could I possibly ask Buddha to satisfy my own desires?"

"In a Buddhist temple, one should only seek to see one's own desires clearly and not be controlled by them. Other things are not worth seeking."

The old monk flattered Chen Shao, saying he had the potential for enlightenment and might even be a reincarnation of Vajra.

Chen Shao was too lazy to waste words with him, so he returned to his room to rest for the night and continued his journey the next day.

The old monk, however, kept his word and led the monks in praying for Chen Shao throughout the night.

In April, Chen Shao led his troops back to Fuyan Road and made a special trip to Fuzhou to see his aunt.

Because of him, Chen Yuexian's status also rose, and she was vaguely expected to become his legal wife.

She herself didn't care much; having lived in the Liu family for so many years, she had long since seen through some things.

Chen Shao is now the ruler of the five states of Dingnan and the son-in-law of the Zhong family, so they dared not be negligent when they arrived at the Liu residence.

Both Liu Yanqing and his son were away on campaign. Liu Yanqing's uncle personally came to receive Chen Shao. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he went to talk to his aunt.

Liu Guanglie was in Bianliang at the time, working for Chen Shao, and Chen Yuexian was somewhat lonely.

Upon seeing Chen Shao, she sighed and said, "Brother Shao, you've gotten a tan."

Seeing that she looked listless and no longer as happy as before when she saw him, Chen Shao suspected that she had been wronged at home.

This is something he really can't handle. No matter what your official position is, in this relationship you're just a junior.

He could only try to get information indirectly, asking her how she was doing at home.

Chen Yuexian sat at the table, glanced at the porridge and other food on it, grabbed a wheat cake and handed it to him, "Shao-ge'er, you've built a great career out there, but..."

"I've always heard people say that the imperial court can't tolerate two Western Xias. You're the only son of our Chen family, and yet you haven't even left behind any heirs."

As they spoke, a hint of complaint crept into his words, and Chen Shao didn't know how to respond.
Suddenly, Chen Yuexian lowered her voice and said, "Brother Shao, once your concubine becomes pregnant, send her to me. Let's keep it a secret for now."

Chen Shao was speechless, feeling as if he was about to be beheaded.

The Liu family, being a military family in the Northwest, is quite sensitive to such matters, and it seems they don't have high hopes for themselves either.

After all, no one knew that the seemingly prosperous and thriving Song Dynasty was about to be reduced to ashes.

Chen Shao knew that no matter what he said, he couldn't put her at ease, so he could only give a perfunctory reply.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy, making Chen Shao feel as if he were eating at his own banquet.

It's like my own funeral now.

After spending a day at Liu's residence, Chen Shao continued his journey.

When Chen Shao arrived in Shaanxi and other regions, he sensed something was amiss. The Western Army along the way looked on with envy as they saw their troops returning laden with spoils.
-
Why bamboo flute complain willow, spring is not degree Pass.

In April, when peach and apricot blossoms were in full bloom, Chen Shao returned to Youzhou.

All the officials of the prefecture and many military officers had gathered at the city gate, as well as quite a few civilians, whether they came voluntarily or were driven there to show their support.

However, this place was indeed very special to Chen Shao, giving him a feeling of returning to his hometown after a long absence.

He returned in triumph, and the crowd was filled with joy.

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Chen Shao hurried back to his residence. Although he missed Li Shishi very much, he went to Zhong Lingxi's house first.

The couple exchanged polite greetings. It was clear she still missed Chen Shao, but didn't know how to express it.

Chen Shao took out some gifts he had brought back from Hangzhou, gently comforted her with a few words, and took her hand in his own.

Zhong Lingxi immediately became alert, pursing her lips and saying, "Are you... trying to poke me again?"

Chen Shao found it both funny and annoying, so he pinched her. Zhong Lingxi looked pitiful and said innocently, "It's not that I don't want to, it just hurts a little."

Chen Shao laughed and said, "There will be times when you'll be begging me."

Zhong Lingxi rolled her eyes, got up, and pushed him out.

This was exactly what Chen Shao wanted. After leaving the flower hall, walking through the winding corridor, around the rockery, and through the garden, they arrived at the west wing kitchen.

Before I had gone halfway, I saw a pretty figure standing in the long corridor.

When she saw Chen Shao coming over, her eyes first showed some surprise, but then a hint of resentment appeared.

Chen Shao was also somewhat surprised. He stepped forward, put his arm around her slender waist, kissed her cheek, and asked, "Chun Tao, what are you doing standing here?"

"When people hear you're back, they know you'll definitely go to your sister first, not me. Well, I'll just wait for you here and see who sees you first!"

Chen Shao laughed and rubbed her little bottom, saying, "You have a bit of cleverness, and you've used it all on me."

"Of course!" Chun Tao said with a grin, "Did you miss me?"

"I've thought about it."

Chuntao snuggled in his arms for a while and said, "Go quickly, or you'll get angry if they don't let you go."

Chen Shao grabbed her and said with a smile, "Come with me. We haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's get together tonight."

Although he was a little afraid that Li Shishi would not accept it, he also felt that she seemed to have tacitly agreed last time.

After fighting for months, what's wrong with taking a break?
He brought Chuntao to Li Shishi's courtyard.

Upon learning that Chen Shao was returning today, Li Shishi got up early to prepare. She wore a narrow blue robe, her hair was styled in a bun, and she wore a black net cap; she wore no other ornaments.

She looked very plain on the outside, but she was wearing a brightly colored undergarment underneath.

On her beautiful heart-shaped face, her delicate features looked even more charming. Her round oval face was like a carefully carved piece of jade, and her figure seemed to be more shapely, with her breasts and hips becoming more rounded.

Seeing that Chen Shao was followed by his younger sister Chun Tao, Li Shishi was slightly unhappy, but she did not show it.

She bent down herself and helped Chen Shao change his clothes, then asked, "Did you go to Huanhuan's place, my lord?"

"Been there."

"That's good."

Chun Tao felt a little wronged. Her sister was deliberately ignoring her, and Brother Chen was only focused on talking to her and ignored her.

She walked over cautiously and sat down in the empty chair, barely touching the bottom, as if she might stand up and leave at any moment.

She watched as the two of them acted intimately in front of her.

Chun Tao tightly gripped the fabric of her robe with her fingers, secretly kneading it repeatedly. The fabric, which had been ironed very smoothly, now had many small wrinkles. She couldn't bear to scold Brother Chen, and kept scolding her own sister.

Chen Shao took out a rosary from his pocket, handed it to Li Shishi, and said, "That year in Bianliang, I promised you that I would stay up with you every New Year's Day, but I didn't expect to break my promise on the first one."

Li Shishi smiled and said, "There's nothing we can do about it."

"On New Year's Eve, I went to a temple near Fuyang and got you a bracelet."

Li Shishi was touched and felt a warmth in her heart. Afraid of crying in front of her sister, she turned her head and smiled, saying, "My lord is so thoughtful."

Chun Tao bit her lip, feeling a sour, unpleasant sensation in her heart, as if she had bitten into a grape.

After the maids had laid out a table full of dishes, Chen Shao sat down in front of Chun Tao and patted the seat next to him, saying, "Come here."

Li Shishi had no choice but to sit down.

Chen Shao put his arm around one of them and said, "Chun Tao will stay tonight. The three of us will sleep together under the same quilt, and you can all serve me!"

Chen Shao spoke with such confidence that it surprised both sisters.

How could you say something like that so loudly?
After a long silence, Li Shishi laughed and said, "My lord is truly shameless."

"Anyway, my love for you is genuine, and I have a clear conscience!"
-
In Bianliang City.

The residence of Grand Commandant Gao Qiu was located near Quyuan Street in the south of the city.

Having commanded the Imperial Guards for many years, Gao Qiu had truly witnessed the benefits brought by the sheer size of the Imperial Guards; the money in his hands flowed like a mighty river.

Although he was not a complete villain as depicted in Water Margin, he was not included in the traditional list of the Six Traitors of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Ultimately, he was just a private servant employed by Emperor Huizong of Tang (Zhao Ji) during his time as a prince, who rose to prominence because of the emperor's favor.

In fact, he was a quiet and cautious person, with no great abilities or major faults.

Of course, he was definitely not an honest official; he embezzled quite a bit!

Over the past ten years, he has managed his bestowed residence to a magnificent state, no less impressive than the residence of Grand Tutor Cai on Jinliangqiao Street.

Before the Lunar New Year, the area in front of Grand Commandant Gao's residence would surely be bustling with carriages and horses.

Visitors were bustling about, waiting to be summoned.

The families of the Imperial Guards were already wealthy and powerful, and they didn't have many concerns about their official reputation, so they openly gave gifts.

In addition, many sons-in-law and military officers came from military families, and their extravagant lifestyles often surpassed those of civil officials and scholars.

Gao Qiu was put in charge of the imperial guards for Emperor Huizong, which showed the emperor's complete trust in him, since he was, after all, a household slave.

Gao Qiu understood this well, so he also put in the effort to cultivate relationships with these members of the Imperial Guard's families.

When he first received his official position, he would hold several banquets at his residence every day, which would continue until late at night.

The sounds of string and wind instruments drifted from afar, and the high-rise buildings in the mansion were brightly lit, resembling a gathering of immortals, with many famous courtesans from Bianliang singing and dancing.

This year, everything is different.

The area in front of Grand Commandant Gao's residence was deserted and desolate. The guards at the gate were dozing off with their sleeves tucked in.

The hitching posts stood in rows at the entrance, now empty and covered in moss, a far cry from their former glory.

Ultimately, Gao Qiu was not born into a family of imperial guards and had no real power base; he relied entirely on Zhao Ji's favor.

Now that the emperor is going to reorganize the imperial guards, you are no longer of any use. Do you dare to persuade your master to change his mind?
These families of imperial guards are the most power-hungry. Once they see you're no longer useful, who will bother to come and curry favor with them?

Amidst the quiet surroundings, a sudden commotion arose outside the door.

In the blink of an eye, Grand Commandant Gao Qiu, surrounded by more than a dozen attendants, walked straight to the main gate, where he saw several soldiers and the gatekeeper on duty dozing off.

Although Gao Qiu was furious, he had something on his mind today, so he just snorted and said nothing.

Moreover, he could understand, after all, he came from a poor background, and to be fair, Gao Qiu was a kind and generous person.

But his henchmen were already shouting and cursing: "A bunch of country bumpkins, how can you be so careless on duty! Just because things aren't going well at the Grand Commandant's place, you all become negligent? You should know that the Grand Commandant's office is a military law firm. Take them all down and give them dozens of lashes, and you'll know that the pot is made of iron!"

The soldier and gatekeeper on duty at the gate jumped up as if they had been scalded and stood ramrod straight.

Everyone knows that the Emperor is going to reorganize the Imperial Guards, and the Grand Commandant has temporarily lost power, but that only applies to important figures.

The Imperial Guards were all engaged in service, and Gao Qiu, as the Palace Commander, was their absolute commander.

During the years that Gao Qiu served as the commander of the palace guards, he really arranged for all the relatives within his family for eighteen generations to be included in the imperial guards.

Some of them were junior officers who led the Song Dynasty's provisions and served the Grand Commandant's office. Although it was inevitable that this faction would be squeezed out by the deeply entrenched families of the Imperial Guards in the future.

But dealing with these lowly soldiers is more than enough.

After everyone stood up straight, they all wondered what the Grand Commandant was doing out in such cold weather.

Gao Qiu didn't mind their laziness, and sent a few of his close attendants out to take a look, while he himself paced back and forth at the door.

Before long, several servants who had been sent out rushed in through a half-open side door, panting, and said to Gao Qiu, "Grand Commandant, Grand Tutor Cai has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in astonishment. No wonder the Grand Commandant came out to greet them personally; it turned out that Cai Jing was coming.

Before long, the sound of horses' hooves could be heard outside the door. A dozen tall horses from the north, accompanied by a group of agile attendants, came from the south, escorting a carriage.

Cai Jing's visit to Gao Qiu was a great honor, but Gao Qiu was not very happy.

Cai Jing's reorganization of the Imperial Guards was aimed at Gao Qiu's interests. His current predicament was due to his inability to lead the Imperial Guard families in rebellion, which led to the Imperial Guard families no longer taking him seriously.

Gao Qiu indeed dared not resist, because ultimately, this was something his master, Zhao Ji, wanted to do.

Despite this, Gao Qiu still harbored some resentment towards Cai Jing.

Despite the resentment, Grand Tutor Cai was too prestigious and was a top figure among the literati.

Cai Jing was the true benefactor of the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty was founded on the principle of sharing the world with the scholar-officials.

Several concubines alighted from the carriage, laid out brocade cushions and carpets, and helped Cai Jing down.

"Thank you for your warm welcome, Grand Commandant!"

Gao Qiu smiled respectfully and greeted Cai Jing and the accompanying officials politely: "How can I accept such courtesy from Prime Minister Cai? I was unaware of your arrival and have been slow in all this. Please forgive me, Prime Minister Cai."

Looking at Cai Jing's smiling expression, Gao Qiu felt a wave of disgust.

I remember when he was first dismissed from his post as prime minister, he was clearly old and frail, looking like he could be blown away by a gust of wind.

Now that I have regained power, I didn't expect my health to improve. Power really is a panacea.

This old fox has come to my residence; he probably doesn't have good intentions. I must be careful with my words and actions.

We absolutely must not let him use us as a pawn.

Gao Qiu secretly reminded himself.

Although he could not contribute to the Imperial Guards, he was determined not to join forces with Cai Jing. Otherwise, the Imperial Guards families, who were now being neglected, would start to cause trouble in secret.

Having commanded the Imperial Guards for over a decade, Gao Qiu was well aware of the power of these aristocratic families, whose henchmen were spread throughout Bianliang.

Although Gao Qiu understood the situation perfectly, he felt a little uneasy when he saw Cai Jing's face.

I always felt that with my cunning, I was no match for this old man.

(End of this chapter)