You have truly caused me great suffering!

Chapter 139 The Signs of a Fallen Kingdom
Chen Shao swore all at once.

He was furious about Tong Guan's campaign against Liao; how could a person be so useless?

Where is the momentum you had in the past twenty years of pacifying the borders, conquering the Xia, and suppressing the Tubo?
He himself resented their lack of ambition, but in the eyes of the Victory Army's personal guards, he, Chen Shao, was mean and ungrateful.

Because you were promoted by Commander Tong Xuan, if it weren't for Commander Xuan, you would still be a grain transport officer!

Da Hu watched from the side, and when Yang Sanqi spoke, he thought to himself that these people were really bold.

He even dared to ask his master for money to be his personal bodyguard; he knew all too well how desperately Chen Shao needed money.

Sure enough, the owner immediately got anxious.

Throughout the entire Dingnan Army, everyone knew that their boss was constantly being pestered for money.

That Yang Cheng, last time he even forced his master to stay home.

Chen Shao's Dingnan Army was very good at making money, and it was very good at making money. The products of the Northwest were exactly what the Central Plains needed, and it also monopolized the trade routes in the Western Regions.

But he really is short of money.

Chen Shao cursed loudly, and Yang Sanqi and the others turned pale, but looking at his personal guards, none of them dared to speak.

After leaving the Marshal's Mansion, Yang Sanqi looked back and then spat heavily.

He led his men and rode away.

On their way here, they were in a pretty good mood. Seeing how prosperous the Dingnan Army was, they originally planned to stay here for a few days.

Even in Yang Sanqi's mind, he was already certain that Shao Ge'er would cover all his expenses, let him have fun to his heart's content, and then give him a considerable sum of money for his travel expenses.

After all, even when Shao Ge'er didn't have much money, he was still able to handle everything perfectly. When Commander Xuan gave him a thousand strings of cash, he took out seven hundred strings to treat everyone that day.

Yang Sanqi could even imagine the furious look on Xuan Shuai's face when they returned.

Now the entire Song Dynasty is tightening its belt for the sake of Yanjing, but the wealthiest Northwest Dingnan Army is not contributing a single penny!
It's a shame he came from the victorious army; he's completely ungrateful.

Not long after Yang Sanqi and his group left, another group of people arrived, specifically requesting to see Chen Shao.

Seeing that they were also from Bianliang, Chen Shao, out of curiosity, had them invited in.

The newcomer was dressed in a light blue round-necked, narrow-sleeved robe, a black soft-brimmed turban, and a black leather belt.

Chen Shao had served as a commander in the Imperial Guard and recognized this as a eunuch from the Inner Palace, confirming that he was indeed from Bianliang.

"You're Chen Shao?"

With a whoosh, Chen Shao's guards in the guest hall drew their swords.

The three eunuchs trembled in fright. Where was this place? Why were they about to draw their swords at the slightest provocation? Didn't they know they were from Bianliang?

They're used to being arrogant outside, especially when they're in a local area, they always get whatever they want.

As for the incident of drawing the sword, go back and embellish it yourself, and you'll make sure he can't stay in his official position!

However, since we're under your roof now, it's best to keep a low profile for the time being.

One of the eunuchs mustered his courage and said, "Chen Shao, you know about the disbanding and resettlement of so many Imperial Guards, right?"

"Now that we need to train a new army, the imperial treasury is temporarily short of funds, and officials from all over the country are vying to donate. How much do you want to donate?"

Are they here to ask for money again?

Looking at the arrogant faces of these people, Chen Shao felt an indescribable disgust. Relying on Liang Shicheng's power, they had disgusted countless people in the past.

The young eunuch at the head of the group held a whisk made of white rhinoceros tail with an ebony handle. Chen Shao knew that this was the head eunuch in charge of the inner court.

After careful consideration, he realized that the Song Dynasty had been completely ruined by the current situation.

They've even started plundering the land, extending their reach to powerful regional warlords like themselves who wield significant military and political authority.

In the past, Chen Shao would have been quite wary of someone like Liang Shicheng. He might have even managed to squeeze out some money to bribe him.

But now, Chen Shao no longer takes those guys from Bianliang seriously.

If you've got the guts, come on over. If you piss me off, I might just go myself.

Chen Shao winked at Da Hu, then stood up to leave.

The eunuch leader got angry, made a gesture with his pinky finger, and cursed, "How dare you!"

Da Hu looked at the group and thought to himself, "You're just unlucky. Both groups' anger has been directed at you."

Several guards approached, staring expressionlessly at the three eunuchs.

Before long, the guards used a carriage to transport the three corpses out.

Just as Chen Shao had predicted, the Song Dynasty's financial system completely collapsed, and Cai Jing was powerless to stop it.

He had managed to salvage some money from the emperor, intending to use it to train the new army.

However, after Tong Guan's actions, the paper money completely lost its credibility, and his biggest trump card became worthless.

Does that mean the new army can stop training?
Absolutely not! This has shaken the very foundation of the Song Dynasty. Without a strong central army, coupled with such a disastrous war against the Liao, the situation is dire.

Elite border troops like the Western Army no longer took the imperial court seriously and withdrew from Hebei on their own, returning to their hometowns.

To raise travel expenses, they even robbed the treasuries of several prefectures in Hebei. The imperial court pretended not to know and dared not provoke them further.

Having been disgusted twice in one day, Chen Shao was in a terrible mood. After cursing the corrupt officials in the court, he remembered Tong Guan's outrageous actions.

He couldn't help but sigh. Sometimes, when people get old, it's really appropriate to take a step back, otherwise they might squander all the achievements of the first half of their lives.

When Chen Shaogang arrived, he looked down on Tong Guan because Tong Guan was portrayed as a weakling in history books.

However, after getting to know him better, he felt that Tong Guan was alright, especially after learning about his past achievements.

However, ever since the campaign against the Liao Dynasty was put on his agenda, Tong Guan went completely mad. He forced Liu Fa to commit suicide, dismissed the generals of the Western Army before the war, retreated to Hejian Prefecture immediately after a defeat, and was defeated three times by the weakened Khitans. Finally, he did the biggest thing ever—buy Yanjing with money.

This ransom money, you should give some money to the Jurchen Tartars, but forget about luxury goods, gold, silver, jade, silk and satin.

But he gave the Jurchens one million shi of grain, which is a crime deserving of death!

The Jurchen Tartars, who originally could not afford to support Liao slaves, could now freely and boldly command Liao servants.

Thinking that the imperial court was desperate for money and might even come asking for more, Chen Shao shouted, "Someone come here! Tell the Chengxuan Division to send someone to Bianliang and say that the Western Xia has been conquered. Please, Your Majesty, quickly issue the promised grain and salary. I want to reward those who have contributed to the conquest of Xia!"
-
Bianliang City.

Inside the Cai residence, the study had been temporarily converted into a government office, complete with a plaque hanging on the door, and was filled with the heads of civil officials moving about.

It's unknown how many officials are waiting, either to request an audience, to report matters, to receive official replies, or to ask for instructions on something.

Because Cai Jing was old, the emperor granted him special permission to handle government affairs in his own residence, and these officials would gather at Cai's residence every day.

In the past, even if these scholars and officials did not talk and laugh loudly, they would still chat quietly, bustling about like a marketplace.

But at this moment, everyone outside the Hall of State Affairs was keeping their eyes down, respectful and solemn as if they were facing an important guest, waiting only for Cai Jing's summons.

Only those who are truly in contact with the core decisions of the country know how corrupt the current situation is.

The once wealthy Song Dynasty was now so poor that it was on the verge of collapse!

Although everyone usually eats, drinks, and has fun, living a life of wealth and leisure.

But at this time, we must also muster our strength and try our best to get through this difficult period. No matter what, we cannot allow the country's finances to continue to deteriorate.

However, these political affairs are so difficult that they make one's head spin just thinking about them; there are deficits everywhere.
Just a few days ago, the officials even asked for money to build a garden.

Cai Xiang immediately offered to resign and return to his hometown, which made Zhao Ji restrain himself somewhat. Everyone knew Cai Xiang's predicament and that perhaps only he could try to save the Song Dynasty. Just as they were waiting respectfully, a civil official in purple robes, accompanied by several attendants, strode confidently toward the Hall of State Affairs.

Upon seeing this purple-robed civil official, the other civil officials waiting outside immediately lowered their heads as if blown down by the wind, and bowed to him.

This purple-robed civil official had a handsome face and a three-strand black beard, making him quite a sight to behold. This man was none other than Cai You, the eldest son of Cai Jing. He walked straight ahead with a smug look on his face, seemingly ignoring the green-robed civil officials bowing to his left and right.

Several people of decent status stepped forward to greet Cai You, addressing him as "Young Master Cai," but Cai You simply waved his hand, saying, "I have important matters to attend to and cannot stop for a moment. Please forgive me."

Cai You was polite in words, but he didn't even bother to return the greeting. He simply brushed past the person who was approaching, practically looking down his nose at them.

It turns out that after Zhao Ji ascended the throne, the imperial power of the Song Dynasty was strengthened to an unprecedented degree since its founding.

But now, Zhao Ji has delegated a great deal of power. The entire Council of State Affairs is now presided over by Cai Jing, who controls all government affairs of the Song Dynasty. He can decide almost everything, big or small, in Bianliang with a single word.

Even at the height of Cai Jing's power, it was not even a tenth of what it is now.

There was no other way; Zhao Ji knew that at this point, he had to rely on Cai Jing. He was just muddle-headed, not stupid. Ironically, even at this stage, he couldn't forget about enjoying himself.

Zhao Ji's condition is probably a kind of illness, a disease that makes him suffer without spending money. This disease is very difficult to cure, and only the sheepskin from the Five Kingdoms City can cure it.

After Young Master Cai passed by, everyone looked at each other, secretly thinking, "A monkey in a crown! After your old, immortal father passes away, how long can you remain in the limelight? You'll probably be devoured, leaving not even bones behind!"

Speaking of this young Master Cai, he was indeed hated by everyone and disliked by even dogs, and was not well received by the people of Bianliang.

This guy's integrity goes without saying; he's always been known as a professional at betraying his teammates. Actually, integrity isn't a big deal; as long as you're in officialdom, moral principles are often meaningless.

Those who are both capable and uphold their integrity are all worthy of being recorded in history books; they are extremely rare, even after thousands of years.

As long as one has the ability, even without integrity, given his background and connections, he can thrive in officialdom.

But young Master Cai is neither honest nor capable, and he's insatiable. No matter what task is entrusted to him, he's bound to mess it up.

However, Cai Jing had a powerful father. He was originally intended to be placed in the Privy Council as the Chief Censor, but Tong Guan bought Yanjing City, bringing the Song Dynasty to the brink of bankruptcy. His father, Cai Jing, became the head of the civil officials and his power was unprecedented for decades. Cai Jing's ambition immediately rose, and he set his sights on the position of Grand Councilor of the Council of State Affairs.

He rushed here today not only to ask his father for an official position, but also to ask his father to do him a favor.

Even though Cai Jing was old, he still had the ability to judge people, especially since this person was his own son.

He didn't even dare to keep Cai You by his side, for fear that he would be dragged down by him and ruin important matters.

So they gave him a prestigious but leisurely position, but Master Cai disdained it because there was no profit to be made.

Cai Jing was worn down by his nagging. He couldn't very well kill his son, could he? So he had no choice but to temporarily assume the title of Hanlin Academician and take on a minor official post in the Council of State Affairs as a way to appease him.

No one cared about how to properly handle the affairs of the Council of State.

Although the Song Dynasty faced an unprecedented financial crisis, Cai You still lived quite comfortably during this period.

After all, his father's power had increased, and many people who couldn't see Cai Jing went to him for help.

Today, besides seeking an official position for himself, Cai You has accepted gifts from others and is carrying a full load of their requests, intending to ask his father to grant them.

Since the office was located in Cai's residence, the guards who were originally on duty outside the Hall of State Affairs also came. They naturally recognized Cai You and respectfully welcomed him in.

Cai Jing was indeed too old, to the point where he could neither stand nor sit steadily. When he was in charge of the highest state affairs, a folding chair was unusually placed in his room.

Cai Jing leaned back on the couch with his eyes closed, listening to the respectful reports from the several councilors on various matters. Beautiful maids and concubines were present to serve Cai Jing, massaging his legs or serving him ginseng soup. All the necessary utensils, such as spittoons and food boxes, were readily available.

A large group of beautiful women surrounded the high-ranking officials in purple robes, moving about in this room where the nation's highest policies were decided.

These vice ministers of state turned a blind eye to it, treating women like skeletons, their integrity even higher than that of the abbot of the Great Xiangguo Temple, and none of them dared to give it a second glance.

Just as everyone was listening intently to Cai Jing's instructions, they suddenly heard footsteps and turned around to see Cai You.

The only one who could enter the Hall of State Affairs without prior notice was this eldest son of the Cai family.

The Vice Chancellor, dressed in high clogs, greeted Cai You politely, "Ju An, what brings you here?"

The other officials did not dare to be negligent either. The older ones stood up shakily. Compared to Gao Ji's friendship with Cai You, they all said, "Scholar Cai is a rare sight."

Most people would be trembling with fear upon seeing this group, but Cai You was completely at ease.

No matter how many years you study hard, it's not as good as having a good father. This truth has remained unchanged for thousands of years.

Cai You returned the greeting casually, then approached his father's folding chair and made a whispering gesture, but his voice was loud, clearly intended for everyone to hear.

"Father, there is something important. Please dismiss everyone so I can report to you in detail."

Upon hearing this, everyone present could only change the subject and pretend they hadn't heard.

Some of the more cautious ones prepared to take their leave of Cai Jing first. This son of the Cai family, who was already quite old, had a smug and arrogant demeanor that was depressing to behold, so it was better to avoid him.

Not all of these people were sycophants; some were on the verge of losing their temper.

Fortunately, Cai Jing had a good grasp of the situation. He had kept his eyes closed the whole time, but at this moment he slowly opened them and angrily said, "All of you here are important officials of the court, and your status is far higher than yours. I have entrusted you with my most important matters. What is it that you cannot speak to me? How arrogant!"

"Speak your mind. If you can't, then get out now. I don't want to hear a single word from you alone!"

Cai Jing was truly furious. None of his sons were any good! Not to mention Cai You, who had become the most disliked person in Bianliang. As for his youngest son, Cai Tiao, whom he had placed in such an important position, he hadn't even received a tiny bit of power or benefit from the Dingnan Army!

If I had gone to Dingnan Army in my youth with a proper official position and the backing of my prime minister father, I would have won over the people and developed my power long ago, and at least seized half of Dingnan Army's power.

Now that I have the Dingnan Army as my backing, I have much more confidence in everything I do, and I have more room to recover my losses.

In other parts of the Song Dynasty, finances were stagnant, but Dingnan Army was a vibrant, flowing river. Cai Jing had limited energy, but he had carefully studied Dingnan Army's finances. If he hadn't spent money on buying Liao people, Dingnan Army would be unimaginably wealthy at this time.

Cai You was speechless for a moment, muttered a few words, and then forced a smile and said, "Dad, I have some favors to do for me. Could you help me take care of them? I've already accepted their money."

Everyone present lowered their heads, relieved that the person was not their son.

Cai Xiang was such a steady and intelligent man, how could he have fathered such an unworthy son?

"roll!"

Cai Jing suddenly slammed his hand on the folding chair, his face turning red with anger.

Now Cai You was also scared. He had just been angry that his father had not given him face, so he deliberately provoked his father in front of others.

That's just the kind of person he is. When he gets carried away, he doesn't care about anything. Back when he was in the Duan Prince's mansion, he always acted this way, often getting into fights with Wang Fu and others in front of Zhao Ji.

Seeing his father's appearance now, Cai You felt remorseful and quickly stepped forward to apologize, patting his back.

Seeing that Cai Jing was no longer able to discuss matters, everyone got up and took their leave.

After everyone left, Cai Jing slowly opened his eyes and let out a long sigh.

"Dad, I was just saying it casually, why are you so angry?"

Cai Jing glanced at his son and said, "I only have a few days left to live. With your impetuous and rude attitude, how many more years can you stay in Bianliang City?"

“As long as the emperor doesn’t fall, why would your son have to leave? Besides, Father, you will surely live to be a hundred years old and protect us brothers.”

Cai Jing closed his eyes slightly and said, "Do you think the Emperor is a kind person? Just because you were close to him when you were at the Prince Duan's residence, does that mean he will continue to indulge you?"

"This country has reached its end, yet he has restrained his temper. You, however, continue to indulge in lavish feasts and extravagant spending. The Emperor has tolerated it for now because he needs my services, but what about the future?"

"When he remembers this period of time, when he was living an unhappy life while you were indulging in a life of luxury, your words and actions today will become sharp blades that will stab you until you are completely wounded."

Cai You thought about it and suddenly felt inexplicably afraid.

"Father, no way!"

Cai Jing closed his eyes, but the worries in his heart did not diminish in the slightest.

Concerned about family, and also concerned about country.
(End of this chapter)