You have truly caused me great suffering!

Mizhou, Banqiao Town.

Inside a small building, Qu sat in a chair, separated by a screen, discussing matters with Madam Xiao.

He approved of Madam Xiao's approach, saying, "You are the Prince of Dai's woman, so it's best for you to stay out of the public eye."

Otherwise, I, Qu Duan, would also be afraid.

Although I have no ulterior motives, if someone with malicious intent spreads rumors, I will be unable to defend myself.

After all, what people love to spread most are these kinds of rumors, and fabricating stories out of thin air is all too common.

Qu Duan now cherishes his future. He is extremely confident that he will definitely go down in history and must not leave any stain on his record.

The guards from Guangyuantang have begun setting up posts inside and outside the building, and have driven all the maids and servants out of this detached little building.

The room was filled with all sorts of Dingnan Army soldiers. Then, the door opened, and a man dressed as an official from Guangyuantang quietly slipped in.

Qu Duan was sitting at the table, having just filled his cup with tea. When he saw the visitor about to bow, he waved his hand and said, "No need to be so polite. Come, sit down and give me your answer!"

He would feel more comfortable if a few more people sat here.

This officer, named Wang Danian, was a mid-level manager at Guangyuan Hall. He was surprised that the infamous Commander Qu was so polite. He cupped his hands and said, "Yes, this humble officer greets Commander Qu and his wife."

He approached and sat down gently opposite him, feeling somewhat unaccustomed to such hospitality.

Qu Duan pushed a cup of tea over and said, "You Guangyuantang have been working hard these days. How's the news I asked you to find out?"

"Commander Qu, there's no need to be so polite. As soon as I arrived in Mizhou, I immediately set up a surveillance network and had the people I brought disguised as street vendors and tourists to gather information everywhere."

Xu Zhi, the deputy transport commissioner of the Eastern Circuit of Jingdong, had controlled the commercial tax of Mizhou for many years. Although his influence was pervasive, it also meant that their actions could not be concealed.

That's true; the longer someone holds absolute power in a place, the more flaws they'll reveal.

Because they simply couldn't be bothered to hide it anymore.

It's generally unlikely that a powerful foreign force like the Dingnan Army would appear. Historically, it was the Jurchens who came and completely wiped them out.

The Jurchens feared that sea transport would allow the Song Dynasty to contact the northern anti-Jin forces.

After all, the Song Dynasty's maritime trade far surpassed that of the Jin Dynasty.

Even though the Song Dynasty retreated to Jiangnan, it actually had enough strength to launch a counterattack. Unfortunately, Zhao Gou's position was unstable, he lacked the ambition, and he was also afraid of being sidelined by military leaders.

It seems that the Zhao family has a gene that suppresses martial artists ingrained in their very bones.
At this point, Wang Danian was clearly very satisfied with his job, so he looked somewhat smug.

He picked up his cup, took a sip to moisten his throat, then pulled out a small notebook from his pocket and handed it over with both hands, saying, "Commander Qu, everything we've investigated is recorded here."

Qu Duangang was about to look, but after thinking about it, he changed his mind and said, "Let Madam look first."

A maidservant came out from behind the screen and put the booklet away.

Qu Duan was worried that people would gossip, but Xiao Shi was even more worried than him.

She also enjoys the feeling of being in control behind the scenes, so she rarely shows herself in public.

Because the booklet had been taken away, Wang Danian lowered his voice and said to Qu Duan:
"Let me first talk about commercial taxes. During the Zhenghe era of this dynasty, many powers of the Maritime Trade Office were abolished. However, they still set up checkpoints to collect taxes in important towns, passes, and along water and land transportation routes."

Especially near the port, he set up tax collectors every forty li (approximately 20 kilometers) to collect taxes. A ship sailing three or four hundred li (approximately 150-200 kilometers) had to pay taxes at least five or six times. Some smaller local shops were overwhelmed by the burden, and many silk shops, cloth shops, and general stores went bankrupt.

Qu Duan wasn't particularly interested in these things, but he could still listen patiently.

"These tax collectors are all private soldiers they keep. The taxes they collect are never handed over to the imperial court, but are divided up among various families."

Upon hearing this, Qu Duan showed a hint of delight.

Over the years, they've been so greedy; they must be incredibly fat!
In fact, after Zhang Shuye took office, he also talked about these things with Qu Duan.

His men were all recruited locally in Shandong and had intricate connections with these powerful families.

Even those who had no prior contact with these people, once they rose to important positions, would be bribed by these forces and become part of them.

Even if you are noble and don't want to go along with the wrongdoing, what about your family?
They are all locals, with intricate and intertwined relationships. For the sake of their clan, many people have no choice but to join.

Qu Duan didn't care about any of that.

His subordinates were all from Yinzhou and Yan'an Prefecture, and were formed from the former Western Army and the former Western Xia Army.

The families are all thousands of miles away, making them difficult to corrupt.

As for caravans, that's even more difficult.
As the saying goes, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake; it all depends on how powerful the dragon is.

Given the current strength of the Dingnan Army, and the fact that it is still wartime, Qu Duan does not think he can't control these local bullies.

At this moment, the person inside brought out the booklet, which Qu Duan casually flipped through.

Seeing the dense list of names behind me, I immediately felt relieved; as long as I had this, that would be enough.

Wang Danian said, "Madam, Commander Qu, we must be wary of them resorting to desperate measures."

Qu Duan chuckled and said, "You just need to protect this place."

Local powers could use underhanded tactics to deal with officials like Zhang Shuye, who were part of the Song Dynasty system, because they were required to follow the rules.

But if you use those methods on the Dingnan Army, don't blame us for being ruthless.

It's like if the Jurchen Tartars came, would you dare to use dirty tricks against them?

"They are just private soldiers. I have already looked into it. There should have been 6500 troops stationed here, but there are only 2800 officers and soldiers on staff. Most of them are old, weak, sick, or disabled. The rest are being paid without working. As for weapons and armor, they are pitifully few."

"Such private soldiers are enough to deal with the common people and exploit the merchants. If a real war breaks out," Qu Duan laughed, "we can easily deal with them."

When the Jurchen Tartars marched south, they mostly encountered this kind of army.

No wonder they were able to smash the Song Dynasty to pieces with a mere bump, without encountering any decent resistance.

At this moment, behind the screen, Madam Xiao said, "If Xu Zhi is not eliminated, Shandong's trade routes will never be opened."

Qu Duan said, "As long as the evidence is sufficient, I am willing to act first and report later!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Danian stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "If that's the case, our Guangyuan Hall will gather evidence! If this isn't enough, we'll lead them to destroy the ships."

After leaving Madam Xiao's residence, Qu Duan was still a little uneasy. He said to Li Yanqi beside him, "Send more troops. I think this place is easy to defend and difficult to attack. As long as we have enough manpower, no one can take this place."

Li Yanqi nodded, deeply agreeing with Qu Duan's decision to send troops. If anything happened to that woman, all the credit would be for nothing.

It would be difficult to explain to the Prince of Dai.
-

Bianliang City.

Cai Mansion.

Inside the meeting hall.

Just as Cai Jing and several trusted ministers finished dealing with some government affairs, the old steward quietly came to his side.

After taking out a visiting card from his sleeve, Cai Jing looked slightly puzzled and said, "Let them come to see me."

Upon hearing that Grand Tutor Cai was going to receive guests, Gao Ji and the others all stood up to take their leave.

A short while later, someone led a man dressed as a warrior to the council hall of the Cai residence.

"Greetings, Grand Tutor Cai."

"No need to be so polite," Cai Jing said. "What can I do for you, Prince of Dai?"

The newcomer glanced around, and Cai Jing nodded slightly, indicating that these were all his own people.

"Your son, Cai Tiao, a few days ago, dissatisfied with Geng Nanzhong's previous beating, sent his servant Cai Que to poison Geng Nanzhong."

"What!" Cai Jing's composure was already at a superb level, but he still couldn't help but exclaim in surprise upon hearing this.

"These are testimonies from all sides. Please review them, Grand Tutor."

"No need"

The room fell silent. After a full quarter of an hour, Cai Jing sighed, "I have failed in my duty to raise my son!"

He suddenly smiled with relief, "How is my good-for-nothing son doing?"

"The Prince of Dai said that the matter should be covered up and blamed on a Jin spy. However, the Prince of Dai has been really angry about this matter these days, and has been unable to eat or sleep for several days and nights. He said that if it were not for the Grand Tutor's face, he would never let it go."

Cai Jing himself did not expect Chen Shao to give him so much face.

This is a really big deal.

Since the founding of the Song Dynasty, such a heinous incident has never been heard of.

This is completely disregarding the rules. If Cai Jing and Chen Shao hadn't known that Cai Tiao was so stupid, they would have definitely thought that this was a pretext for factional strife under the guise of revenge.

Cai Jing said tremblingly, "I will remember the Prince of Dai's kindness. Go back and tell the Prince of Dai that he can kill this wicked son if he wants to!"

That being said, everyone knows that it's impossible to kill him now.

After everyone left, Cai Jing leaned back and closed his eyes slightly.

He was utterly disappointed in his sons, but thankfully his grandsons were quite good!

"Send someone to Taiyuan immediately and tell everyone that no matter what this unfilial son says, ignore him. Don't let him leave the house easily, and don't let him cause any trouble!"

I thought Cai You was troublesome enough, but I didn't expect there was another one who quietly accomplishes great things.

Cai Jing sighed inwardly. Geng Nanzhong is nothing to you; you have a million ways to take revenge.

What difficulty is there in making his father wish he were dead?

They actually resorted to such despicable means as poisoning; they're as stupid as oxen!
This person values ​​power above all else, yet he has offended many people. All we need to do is induce him to do something outrageous, and then secretly send a message to the Prince of Dai.

Gradually stripping him of his power will make him suffer more than killing him.

Upon hearing this, the old steward nodded slightly and turned to carry out his task.

He sighed inwardly, for he had watched his sons grow up.

At that time, the prime minister was busy with state affairs and had no time to educate his children, which he felt was inappropriate.

Looking back now, it's clear that not a single one of them has amounted to anything.
-

When Cai Tiao returned home, he was somewhat distraught.

It turns out they had already traced it back to me; I had thought I was doing it without anyone noticing.

Even at this point, Cai Tiao had no regrets.

Killing Geng Nanzhong was more important to him than anything else!
Chen Shao chose to release him, which surprised Cai Tiao.

He was different from Cai You; he was well aware of the gravity of his crime.

Inside the Cai residence, Madam Song and Maode were waiting at the gate. When he stepped down from the carriage, Maode's eyes held a complex mix of emotions.

The prince consort was such a troublemaker, causing me so much suffering. Fortunately, the Prince of Dai was an upright man.

Otherwise, Maode wouldn't even dare to think about it.

She doesn't know how painful it would be if she were coerced and lost her dignity.

Seeing the princess's gaze, Cai Tiao knew he had wronged her, so he lowered his head and approached.

After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, Song had someone take him back so he could rest properly.

Maode was angry and did not follow them. Instead, he returned to Song's courtyard with her.

Mrs. Song, somewhat curious, took her arm and asked, "What's wrong?"

"without"

Maode looked terrible because she hadn't slept well for the past two days.

Her mind was still in turmoil, a tangled mess that was impossible to unravel. These years of wandering, especially after the palace coup in Bianliang, had made Maode feel that despite her noble birth, she was like a drifting duckweed.

The status of a royal princess is not only unreliable, but may also become a hidden danger in the future.

Some time ago, she had promised Chen Shao that if he released the prince consort, she would host a banquet to express her gratitude.

She blurted it out in a moment of panic, but now she dares not, wanting to break her promise.

But considering his current situation, he might need Chen Shao's protection in the future.
Suddenly, Madam Song reached out and touched her forehead, asking with concern, "Why is it so hot? Could it be a cold?"

Maode felt a little guilty, especially in front of her sister-in-law. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

"This girl, why don't you tell me what's on your mind? I haven't hidden anything from you!" Madam Song said with some dissatisfaction.

After leaving Bianliang, the two sisters-in-law, along with Li Qingzhao later on, comforted and supported each other.

They gradually became inseparable best friends.

In private, they would even gossip about Song Shi and Chen Shao.

Once this kind of thing starts, it gradually becomes unrestrained and taboo-free.

Women's private conversations are often more explicit.
Maode and Li Qingzhao's feelings towards Chen Shao gradually improved through these intimate conversations in their private quarters.

Putting aside their status as princesses or talented women, they were just ordinary women a thousand years ago.

At this moment, Maode was still wondering whether he should break his promise, and if he couldn't, whether he should have his sister-in-law and Yi'an accompany him.

Otherwise, she would be a little scared.

Is the Prince of Dai waiting for this?
Maud wasn't stupid; she always knew how outstanding her appearance was.

She knew it from a very young age.

So when she saw Chen Shaocang's handkerchief, she felt no aversion.

"It's all my fault for being too beautiful," Maode sighed inwardly.
-

Dai Wangfu.

Chen Shao had no time to think about these things.

As the weather gradually warmed up, the Wangfu government offices became bustling with activity.

The number of reports from various places increased daily, and their content became increasingly important.

After reading through stacks of reports, Chen Shao still had to find time to participate in various spring plowing and agricultural promotion activities.

This is of utmost importance.

Perhaps one day, Chen Shao or his successors will be able to solve the problem of feeding the people of the Central Plains, and then farming will not be as important as it is now.

But not today.

With last year's experience, the local government offices carried out their tasks of encouraging farmers and distributing farm tools in a more organized and efficient manner.

However, last year was generally a year of favorable weather and abundant harvests.

We can't expect it to be like this every year.

Chen Shao placed particular emphasis on water conservancy.

Even in this day and age, irrigation ditches remain one of the most important aspects of farming.

When Chen Shao returned from outside the city, his trouser legs were covered in mud.

After changing into clean clothes, Chen Shao looked at Cui Die, who was serving him, and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with at your residence?"

"It's nothing serious, just that Madam Zhang sent over some cheese, saying that His Majesty likes to eat it."

"It's rare that she remembered." Ever since Chen Shao went to her and Zhai Rui to ask for cheese and dried meat, they have been sending them to their homes on time.

At this point, the cheese has developed a sweet and sour flavor, and it's even more authentic.

The processes of fermentation, filtration, and steaming are also very mature.

Cheese needs to be processed into butter through "cooked milk skin" and then further processed into ghee or ghee for a better flavor.

Chen Shao smiled and asked, "Are they available in each courtyard?"

"We have them all, Your Majesty has the most here."

Chen Shao nodded and said to Cui Die, "Put some in a silver basin and send it to Madam Song of the Cai family."

She had little income and relied entirely on subsidies from the Cai family. Chen Shao often took the opportunity to send her money and valuables for his own use.

Cui Die nodded, knowing that the dignified and beautiful woman had a sordid relationship with the king, and dared not say anything more.

Chen Shao stood up and said, "I'll be resting in Madam Zhang's courtyard tonight. You should all go to bed early."

Zhang Yinghan is currently pregnant, and judging from her pulse, she is only a little over two months pregnant.

Upon seeing Chen Shao enter, Zhang Yinghan, who had been lying on the bed, showed a hint of surprise in her eyes.

A pair of beautiful, affectionate eyes glanced shyly at Chen Shao. "Master, you've arrived. Have you had dinner yet?"

At this time, several concubines from the Western Regions liked to call their master "Master," such as the three Zhu sisters, Zhai Rui, and Zhang Yinghan.

This custom was introduced through the Mongol Yuan dynasty and became a common practice in the Central Plains during the Ming dynasty.

Chen Shao was too lazy to correct him, let him call him whatever he wanted. He stretched and said, "I've been rolling around in the mud all day, I'm really hungry. Why don't you eat something with me?"

Zhang Yinghan got up and happily told the maids to prepare some wine and dishes.

Maode will be staying in his sister-in-law's room tonight.

The two were chatting idly on the edge of the bed when they suddenly heard the chattering of the maidservants outside.

"What's the noise about?"

A maidservant lifted the curtain and came in, smiling, "The Prince's residence has sent over a box of cheese. Would Madam like to try some?"

Mrs. Song quickly got up to go and see.

Upon hearing this, and looking at his sister-in-law's happy expression, Maode suddenly remembered that man.

She quickly shook her head and heard her sister-in-law outside, joking with several maids, her voice becoming charming and beautiful.

She couldn't help but think to herself, it really makes a difference when someone loves you.
-

April 20th.

Mizhou, Banqiao Town.

More than twenty people took advantage of the darkness to sneak into the sea and sabotage the ship.

He was caught on the spot by the guards.

After a brief interrogation, these people immediately confessed that they were sent by Xu Zhi, the deputy transport commissioner of the Eastern Route of Jingdong, to sabotage the merchant ships.

Soon Qu Duan led his troops into the city and surrounded Xu Zhi's residence.

Meanwhile, throughout Mizhou, troops from various regions, according to their pre-arranged assignments, surrounded the residences of Mizhou officials and wealthy gentry.

Three days later, Qu Shuai sent men to escort nearly a hundred suspects, along with thick stacks of confessions, account books, and rosters, to Bianliang.

This purge swept through Michigan like a thunderbolt, and then quickly uprooted the local power brokers.

Ironclad evidence.

The imperial court quickly brought these officials and gentry to justice, and then the merchant caravan smoothly took over the vacant Maritime Trade Office.

Qu Duan led his troops away from Mizhou and headed to Laizhou, where he planned to expand the naval ports in both Laizhou and Dengzhou.

This set of movements was so smooth and effortless that it caught many people in Tokyo completely off guard.

At this point, Li Gang and the others realized that Zhang Shuye in Shandong was acting very strangely.
This was originally a powerful regional official who strongly opposed Qu Duan's entry into Qi and even wanted to fight him to the death, causing a great deal of trouble.

In this incident, not only did he fail to inform the court in advance of anything, but he also cooperated fully with Qu Duan in many ways.

Afterwards, the two actually started a navy together.

Uncle Zhang helped Qu Duan completely seize control of the two military ports.

At this point, the situation in Qilu was clear: Zhang Shuye had surrendered to the King of Dai.
-

In the military camp on the outskirts of Bianliang.

Li Gang's face was grim.

Generals Liu Qi and Wang De sat on either side of the central command tent.

Zhang Shuye's defection to the Prince of Dai was a great blow to him.

Li Gang didn't know who he could trust anymore.

He was filled with regret, thinking he shouldn't have entrusted Shandong to Zhang Shuye. Everyone knew about his relationship with Zhang Xiaochun.

The two often exchanged poems and admired each other.

Zhang Xiaochun ranked very high among the civil officials under Chen Shao.

"Lord Li, is it possible to change the commander of the Shandong camp?"

Liu Qi was somewhat tempted. Although Zhang Shuye had surrendered, his troops were a newly trained army by the imperial court.

Logically speaking, he shouldn't have gone with him to join the Prince of Dai.

Li Gang was known for his uncompromising nature, and logically, he should have supported Liu Qi at this time and sent someone to take over Zhang Shuye's new army.

Since you intend to pledge allegiance to the Prince of Dai, you should no longer occupy these troops.

But at this moment, Li Gang also hesitated.

What he was thinking was that Chen Shao was about to have a decisive battle with the Jurchens, and all signs indicated that the Dingnan Army was not prepared to stop fighting with the Jin Dynasty.

He worried that his actions would shake Chen Shao's resolve to launch the Northern Expedition.

To put it bluntly, if Dingnan Army had not launched a northern expedition but instead devoted all its efforts to the south to support Chen Shao's seizure of power, then there would have been no chance at all.

Seeing that Li Gang did not reply, Liu Qi did not remain silent, but pressed on, "The troops in Shandong are the culmination of Lord Li's efforts and should not be given to others lightly! If Lord Li agrees, this humble general is willing to make a trip to Shandong!"

Li Gang gave a wry smile, "It's not that I don't want you to go, but I'm really worried that I'll lose another one of my top generals."

Those who were sent out far away, except for Zong Ze, basically all surrendered.

Although Wang Bing and Ma Kuo did not join the Prince of Dai, they were colleagues in the Western Army and were even under the tutelage of Tong Guan.

This is why the Dingnan Army's influence hasn't yet extended to the Huai River region; otherwise, Li Gang wouldn't dare to guarantee anything.
Wang Bing was training troops in Lianghuai, leading a large group of his trusted men, whose mid-level officers were all from the Western Army.

Their roots are in the Fifth Route of Shaanxi.

The five routes of Shaanxi have now all fallen into Chen Shao's territory. In particular, the old Zhong has established himself in Taiyuan, and the young Zhong has changed his words and deeds, becoming a general in the Dingnan Army.

"In this world, who wouldn't submit to the King of Dai?"

Li Gang sighed silently to himself, feeling a wave of despair wash over him.

This despair was even more suffocating than the southward advance of the Tartars.

When the Tartars marched south, he gathered troops to resist them, believing that the greater good of the nation lay with him.

Ambitious people in the Central Plains all stood on his side.

But now, this Prince of Dai, after defeating the Tartars, is showing signs of surpassing the imperial family in prestige. (End of Chapter)