You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 114 A Hero of His Time

Zhu Lingling's suggestions for improving warhorses greatly pleased Chen Shao.

Mountain horses were naturally well-suited for fighting in the Hengshan area. The Iron Falcons of the Western Xia used Hengshan horses, which charged through the mountains as if they were walking on flat ground.

It might not be appropriate to fight in the flat plains of Hebei, or even in other places.

The subordinates are becoming more and more savvy, and they are all working hard to make this small force stronger.

The Qiang people of Hengshan are a microcosm of the entire Dingnan Army.

After seeing Old Zhu off, Chen Shao returned home as evening approached.

He hesitated for a moment in front of the inner courtyard. He had originally planned to go to Li Shishi's place, but then he remembered how sensible Old Zhu was, so he decided to stay at Jin Mo'er's place for the night.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, the two sisters were overjoyed. They embraced him on either side and led him into the room, serving him attentively as he changed his clothes and shoes.

Chen Shao, dressed in a white silk undergarment and barefoot, stood in front of the mirror. Remembering what Old Zhu had said about him becoming much stronger, he began to look at himself in the mirror.

It's really good!

He was originally eighteen or nineteen years old. In the Northwest, he ate meat, eggs, and milk every day, and he didn't miss out on horseback riding training.

Although he wasn't as valiant as natural-born warriors like Dong Dahu and Han Shizhong, he was still quite strong and capable.

Logically speaking, at his age, if he encountered the Li Shishi and Zhu Ling sisters, he could easily have been drained dry.

Fortunately, Li Shishi cared about him and would explain the pros and cons to him from time to time, preventing him from indulging in excessive sexual activity.

This also perfectly suited Chen Shao's current physical condition.

To be honest, he was somewhat relieved, because he knew he wasn't a saint. In both his lives, he had never tasted a beauty like Li Shishi. If she were a seductive vixen who indulged Chen Shao's pleasures, then Commander Chen would probably not have been able to resist such temptation and maintain self-discipline.

A good body is absolutely a prerequisite for going out to fight in the future. Chen Shao stretched out his hand and turned around with satisfaction, wishing he could ride a horse around immediately.

Jin Mo'er saw him amusing himself in front of the mirror and smiled, pursing her lips.

Chen Shao then stopped his self-indulgent reverie, sat down at the table, picked up a warm teacup, and took a sip of tea.

In the room of these two young Qiang girls, the tea was the most authentic. Jin Mo'er immediately moved behind him and massaged his shoulders.

Jin He'er sat beside him, looking innocent and adorable. Chen Shao couldn't resist hugging her and kissing her.

The girl smelled sweet and her skin was soft and supple.

"Your father came to Youzhou, but didn't he come to see you?"

Jin He'er shook her head, not noticing anything amiss, and her expression remained unchanged.

Chen Shao shook his head inwardly; the Qiang people's concept of family was still quite different from that of the Han people.

However, according to his observation, in cities like Youzhou and Yinzhou, the Qiang and Hu people are almost assimilated by the Han people.

The Qiang tribes of Hengshan, having lived in mountain villages for a long time and having little contact with the Han people, have preserved many of their own tribal traditions.

With the implementation of Chen Shaozheng's policies and the influx of the Qiang tribes from Hengshan into the city, this situation should soon change.

In fact, it's not just him; the Western Xia is also promoting Sinicization, especially the current Western Xia emperor, Li Qianshun.

After Li Qianshun assumed personal rule, in order to strengthen imperial power, he emulated the bureaucratic system of the Song Dynasty and weakened the power of tribal leaders, which led to the alienation of the traditional Tangut nobles from him.

Although Empress Dowager Liang was poisoned by envoys from the Liao Dynasty many years ago, her family's influence still permeated the court and especially the military.

Chen Shao's capture of the Dingnan Army was a huge blow to Western Xia.

However, by a twist of fate, he helped Li Qianshun eliminate the trump cards of those tribal leaders.

Richard led his army back to the capital, losing a large portion of Western Xia's territory, but this also solidified the emperor's power.

At this juncture, the old nobles of Western Xia still insisted on continuing the alliance with Liao. These conservative and stubborn people were afraid of any change. They hoped that the world would remain the same forever so that they could continue to hold power and be wealthy.

But things don't always go as they wish. These conservative and pedantic people will eventually be crushed by the wheels of history.
-
When you're having a fulfilling time, the days fly by, so fast that you forget how much time is passing.

Summers in the Northwest are also unbearably hot.

Outside Youzhou City, the manor on the banks of the Hongliu River has become almost the place where Chen Shao discusses various matters.

It has everything you need, is easy to get in and out of, and has a nice environment; it's truly a good place to hold meetings.

A stack of accounts lay before him, which he was glancing through.

Chen Shao knew very well that it would be difficult to figure out the specifics of the business just by looking at the ledgers; but he still took a closer look at the warehouse entry and exit list attached to it.

This was delivered by a caravan. Under Chen Shao's matchmaking and guidance, several major merchants from Dingnan Army formed a caravan.

Their cooperation with the Dingnan Army was extensive, and each item was reviewed by special officials; Chen Shao was merely going through the motions.

Chen Shao approved of the current cooperation model. He smiled and asked the people from the Chamber of Commerce, "How did things go with that batch of goods from Jiangnan?"

"Commander, that shipment is too large; we are working hard to manage it."

"No rush, take your time."

He felt that some trust had been established between the two sides, and the caravan members trusted him and were willing to make money with him.

Because the business they bring in is all highly profitable and rare opportunities, which generally don't fall into their laps.

Moreover, Chen Shao's performance on these occasions has earned their trust.

Officials of the imperial court or local warlords would typically use force to renege on their debts.

The businessman was helpless.

However, Chen Shao not only did not, but did not even use his overwhelming military power to force the caravan to make concessions.

Chen Shao wanted a long-term partnership.

He always believed that relationships based on shared interests, even if not the strongest, were at least the most stable.

After the caravan left, Chen Shao gently patted a stack of books, leaned back in his chair, and slumped down.

They were both trying their best to manage their finances using their own methods, and the Song Dynasty was doing the same.

These days, he heard a piece of news that came from Bianliang.

After Tong Guan led his troops into the capital, Emperor Zhao Ji surprisingly joined forces with Cai Jing to reorganize the Imperial Guards.
At first, Chen Shao thought it was fake news because he didn't believe that Zhao Ji had such determination and courage.

The chronic problems that had accumulated over a century in the Song Dynasty were something his ambitious father and brothers dared not touch, yet he was willing to take on the responsibility and shoulder this burden.

Simply incredible.

Chen Shao knew Zhao Ji's character; how could that guy have such a sense of responsibility?

A few days ago, he asked Wei Li about this question during a discussion.

Wei Li's words suddenly enlightened him.

He told Chen Shao, 'Perhaps His Majesty is short of money.'

This short sentence made Chen Shao suddenly realize something.
Chen Shao went through the recent events in his mind again. He felt that Zhao Ji's reorganization of the Imperial Guards had made him realize some new truths.

To accomplish something, you need to gather helpers and try to ensure that others can also benefit from it in exchange for their assistance.

Take the reorganization of the Imperial Guards in the Song Dynasty as an example. Tong Guan, Cai Jing, and the emperor worked together and used all their abilities.

Zhao Ji wanted money to spend; Cai Jing wanted to regain power; Tong Guan wanted to successfully obtain the credit for the campaign against Liao.

Their goals were different, yet they were able to unite the three parties through one event.

I need to use caravans to connect the financial schemes in the territory of the Dingnan Army, and ideally, to allow as many people as possible to profit.

This is the only way to reduce subtle resistance.

You should live your own life, and you should also let others live theirs; you should be well, and you should also let others be well. Make more friends and fewer enemies.

To govern a region well, one cannot make assumptions, impose one's own will, or force people to accept it.

Merchants prioritize profit, yet you insist they sacrifice their personal interests for the greater good; soldiers value merit, yet you demand they uphold magnanimity and put others before themselves. Such an endeavor is bound to fall apart sooner or later.

Thinking of this, Chen Shao opened his eyes and began to consider that Cai Jing's reorganization of the Imperial Guards might also be beneficial to him.

If they had truly succeeded, they wouldn't have completely ruined the country during their campaign against the Liao.

Perhaps it could stop the Jurchens from advancing south.

If we could hold out for a few more years and give ourselves some time to swallow up the Western Xia, that would be a really good thing.

Without hesitation, Chen Shao waved and asked, "Come on, prepare some gifts. I'm going to visit Magistrate Cai."
-
After Cai Tiao arrived in Youzhou, he became listless and missed Bianliang day and night.

To be honest, Youzhou is a pretty good place. Chen Shao thinks it's like the Jiangnan region beyond the Great Wall.

But for Cai Tiao, this was a remote and impoverished place, where he had no relatives or friends.

At first, he would go to the government office every day, but it was just to check in and was boring; he had no interest in government affairs.

Fortunately, no one intended for him to get involved.

Later, he simply stayed at home, reading, painting, drinking wine, playing the zither, expressing his feelings through poetry and lyric writing.

Cai Tiao was reading at home when he heard the doorman announce that Chen Shao had come to visit.

He was slightly surprised, but quickly cheered up and went to the flower hall to meet the guests.

My father told me before I came that I should get along well with Chen Shao and not become enemies.

Unlike his elder brother, Cai Tiao was very obedient to his father.

Because Chen Shao was not very familiar with the etiquette among the literati, he specifically invited Wei Li to accompany him.

If there was anything offensive, he could speak up and remind them, since he was only familiar with military officers and generals and had never had the opportunity to come into contact with the scholar-official class of the Song Dynasty.

After waiting for a short while in the flower hall, Cai Tiao hurried over. He was neatly dressed and had a lean face. The two greeted each other.

After the servants served tea, they sat down and began to chat.

Wei Li sat to the side, silent and unnoticed.

The two chatted for a long time, talking about the local customs and culture of Yunji. When they finished their tea, the servants came to refill it, but Cai Tiao still showed no interest in asking any questions.

Chen Shao couldn't help but look at him with new respect, thinking that like father, like son. Cai Tiao was quite shrewd, worthy of being the son of Grand Tutor Cai.

Actually, he completely misunderstood. The reason why Cai Tiao was so indifferent was not because he was shrewd, but because he had completely given up.

Chen Shao stopped rambling and said directly, "Has the Prime Minister sent any letters? I heard that he has been reinstated and is working hard for the country, which makes us younger generations feel sorry for him! We also have the utmost respect for him!"

Cai Tiao smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, General. You are extremely busy leading the army, yet you still have time to care about my father."

Chen Shao laughed and said, "How can I compare to my husband? On weekdays, I just collect taxes and do some paperwork. In terms of being busy with official duties, I really can't compare to your father."

After he finished speaking, he glanced sideways, thinking he had given a clear hint, and said, "Please tell your father that if he needs Chen Shao, he should just say the word, and I will do my best to help."

In Chen Shao's view, these words weighed heavily and carried immense weight.

Cai Tiao smiled and didn't take it to heart; he had heard such words far too often.

Cai Jing may have exhausted the political acumen of his family and several generations.

Cai Tiao took Chen Shao's words, which were spoken by a man who held great local military and political power, as mere flattery and sycophancy, and paid them no heed.

If Cai Jing knew this, he would probably sigh in despair.

After leaving the Cai residence, Chen Shao frowned and asked Wei Li, who was accompanying him, "I am also a powerful figure of my time, with a strong army and five prefectures under my control. Why is this man so calm when I come to form an alliance with the Cai family?"

Wei Li chuckled, "Didn't the commander notice?"

"what?"

"This man is utterly useless; he didn't even realize that the military governor intended to form an alliance with the Cai family."

Chen Shao frowned and said, "Really?"

"Marshal, you should write a letter directly or ask someone to contact Cai Jing. Cai Yuanchang was wise all his life, but his sons are all like stupid pigs and oxen, more likely to ruin things than to accomplish anything, and are completely incapable of managing affairs."

Chen Shao smiled helplessly and said, "Then we have no choice but to do so."
-
In the evening, Chen Shao returned home.

Just then, a group of people arrived at the gate, escorting a carriage.

Chen Shao looked on curiously. The group of people were all dressed in Western Army uniforms. The carriage curtains were slowly lifted and then quickly lowered.

A strong woman carrying a whip drove the carriage into the mansion.

Chen Shao quickly followed, and after arriving at the inner courtyard, the carriage slowly came to a stop, and a slender woman stepped down from the carriage.

The woman had red lips and white teeth, skin as white as snow, and a faint melancholy between her brows, revealing a pitiful charm. She wore a silver-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), which shimmered in the sunlight, complemented by a light blue straight-cut shawl. The blue and white combination created a unique elegance. She wore no jewels, except for two deep red gemstones in her earrings, which sparkled as she walked, inspiring endless reverie.

When Chen Shao looked, he saw that it was Huanhuan's stepmother. She was indeed very beautiful, and Chen Shao couldn't help but take a few more glances at her.

When Lady Zhe saw him scrutinizing her, she felt neither embarrassed nor ashamed. Instead, she smiled slightly and gave him a gentle bow, instantly radiating boundless beauty.

Chen Shao quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I was unaware that my stepmother was here. I am so sorry for not welcoming you sooner."

"Brother Shao, don't be so polite."

Lady Zhe blushed and winked at him.

Chen Shao was surprised by her boldness and turned his face away, afraid that she might do something even more outrageous.

Zhe felt a pang of resentment; she was someone who couldn't hide her feelings at all, and it immediately showed on her face.

Upon entering the inner courtyard, while the maids and servants were moving things, Chen Shao whispered, "Don't be sad."

"Shao-ge'er thinks I shouldn't have come. I'll meet with Huan-huan tonight and then leave."

Chen Shao laughed and said, "There are too many people here, it's not a good place for us to talk. How about I come over to see you tonight when I have some free time?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhe's eyes sparkled with allure, and a shy expression appeared on her face. She glanced at Chen Shao and whispered, "Then come earlier."

The woman was incredibly charming, and her words revealed a hint of longing and desire. Chen Shao felt an irresistible urge to act, but due to his status, he couldn't make a move immediately. So he said softly, "Don't worry, just keep the window open at night and don't let the maids get too close to you."

When Zhong Lingxi saw Zhe Shi, she was overjoyed and held her hand, talking endlessly.

However, Zhe seemed somewhat distracted.

"Why are you so listless? I'll take you horseback riding tomorrow!"

Chen Shao also came in, washed his hands in the celadon basin, then sat down beside her and said with a smile, "Stepmother must be very tired from the long journey. You can catch up again tomorrow."

Zhong Lingxi rolled her eyes at him and said with a playful laugh, "None of your business."

The three of them ate something together, and then Chen Shao made an excuse to go to the study.

Huanhuan couldn't wait for him to leave, as she had a lot to say to her stepmother.

Upon entering the study, Chen Shao picked up the official gazette and began to read it. The gazettes of Bianliang were becoming increasingly watery and utterly devoid of substance; only the appointments and removals of officials were somewhat interesting.

After reading it, I also looked through today's military report, which showed that nothing much had happened.

As time passed, Chen Shao felt both nervous and excited.

The moonlight grew brighter and brighter.

Meanwhile, in another room, Zhe Shi turned over, let out a long, soft sigh, and tossed and turned.

My heart was still pounding, and I couldn't calm down for a long time.

The empty, aimless waiting made her a little impatient.

Suddenly, footsteps approached, and Madam Zhe's eyes widened. She covered her chest with her hands, pressing against her snow-white skin, her fingers clenched tightly. A mix of emotions surged within her, and her heart felt as if it were about to leap out of her chest.

(End of this chapter)