You have truly caused me great suffering!

The outskirts of Taiyuan.

Chen Shaohe and a group of officials celebrated the basic completion of spring plowing and agricultural promotion here.

Overall, the abandoned farmland in Hedong has been largely restored.

Spring plowing went relatively smoothly.

This was actually not easy at all, because the Prince of Dai's residence was in Hedong, and most of the laborers were recruited from the local area.

There is a severe labor shortage.

Chen Shao's mood was immediately apparent; he was overjoyed.

He chatted loudly with the officials around him, gesturing frequently.

The officials also breathed a sigh of relief; they had been exhausted during this period, with officials in various places being punished and questioned for poor performance.

Of course, a large number of people were promoted exceptionally because of their good performance.

Spring and autumn, planting and harvesting twice a year, is essentially a major test for officials.

If you're an official in Hedong, or rather, in the territory of Dingnan Army, don't expect to have the same leisurely life as you did during the Song Dynasty.

The benefit is that if you do a good job, you'll get a promotion, even a promotion that breaks the rules!

"There is no idle land under heaven!" Chen Shao laughed and said, "In this way, neither our farmers nor our soldiers will starve to death."

I dare not say anything else about the Dingnan Army, but since its establishment, not a single soldier has ever starved to death.

It was precisely because Chen Shao always valued agriculture, including using caravans to transport supplies.

The secret to the Dingnan Army's high combat effectiveness lies hidden in these details.

If you want your soldiers to risk their lives for you, you need to think more about what you have done for them.

Local officials, accompanied by their yamen runners, came to return the farm tools.

Chen Shao stood on a high spot and loudly promised that if the autumn harvest was high, the farm tools would be given to the farmers directly!
Chen Shao did not have Cai Jing's methods to manipulate finances within the rules, using allocation and distribution to amass as much wealth as possible for the court.

However, Chen Shao's work was very down-to-earth, and in the long run, his methods were actually better.

Cai Jing's methods were essentially about accumulating wealth, while Chen Shao's actions were about creating wealth.

The weather was already very hot, and Chen Shao's inner lining was soaked with sweat after returning from outside the city.

The courtyard was filled with the chirping of cicadas and birds, teeming with life. Chen Shao smiled and said, "Prepare some hot water; I want to take a bath."

Li Wanshu smiled and agreed, then led her maids to prepare.

After washing up and getting dressed, feeling refreshed, Cui Die came in, holding a letter.

"It was delivered by people from the Cai family."

Cui Die stepped forward and naturally combed and tidied his hair.

Chen Shao said "Oh," and unfolded the book to see that Mao De had invited him to a banquet in gratitude.

And the location was actually in Li Qingzhao's house.

Judging from the tone of the letter, it was written by Li Qingzhao herself. Chen Shao smiled and told Cui Die to put the letter away.

Cui Die was completely baffled and could never have guessed that Chen Shao wanted to collect things.

Li Qingzhao's handwritten letter is truly revealing.

As for why he wanted to go to Li Qingzhao's place, Chen Shao thought about it for a moment and understood that his relationship with Song Shi meant he couldn't go to the Cai residence.

Moreover, with Cai Tiao present, Mao De probably wouldn't feel comfortable inviting him.

It would be even more inappropriate to do it outside. Chen Shao's identity is special, and he would be the center of attention wherever he went. If he were seen by someone, it would cause quite a stir.

If something were to happen, it would be a truly earth-shattering event.

Only Li Qingzhao's place was very quiet and secluded.

Chen Shao was in a very good mood because he had just finished the important task of spring plowing, so he gladly accepted the invitation.

When Da Hu arrived at the Zhao residence with a group of guards, the maid who opened the door was a little frightened when she saw so many people.

After the group entered, they immediately took up guards in layers, with only Da Hu following Chen Shao inside.

Big Tiger stopped in front of the Moon Gate.

After Chen Shao entered, he immediately noticed the banquet venue, which was located in a pavilion.

The pavilion was not large. Chen Shao slowly walked to a curtain, lifted the curtain, and headed towards his seat at the banquet.

Since they were all acquaintances, Chen Shao didn't feel the need to be reserved and went straight inside.

He looked around the place; although it looked small, it was decorated in a very elegant way.

By chance, Chen Shao's eyes were drawn to the words inscribed on the clean white gauze curtain. He did sometimes enjoy observing things in detail.

Especially in this era, every little thing with an antique feel can easily make him feel a sense of goodwill.

Deep down, he truly embraced the culture of his ancestors; he was a true elite among the Han Chinese.

A gentle breeze drifted in from somewhere, and the soft white gauze was lifted and swayed in the breeze. The hanging gauze surface seemed to be spread out flat, and the undulating and swaying posture was like water ripples, which was very pleasing to the eye.

Hearing footsteps, the three people in the pavilion turned around and looked over together.

"You're here."

Song was the first to speak, but after she finished, she regretted it a little.

Although they chatted freely in private, the sisters had no taboos and gradually dared to say anything.

But this time it was in person, after all.

Chen Shao stepped forward with a smile and said, "I came here as soon as I heard there was something delicious to eat."

Today, Maode wore a white deep-sleeved robe, through which a purple open-necked lining could be vaguely seen. The slightly simple outfit made her seem to have a different temperament.

Her fair skin on her face and neck shone with a beautiful luster, like the restrained glow of silk.

Very unique.

To be honest, Chen Shao has seen many beauties, and he can only say that his reputation is well-deserved.

"You've been granted the title of king, and you've tasted all sorts of delicacies. Please don't take offense at my lack of hospitality today," Maud said softly.

"you are welcome!"

There weren't many dishes on the table.

On the table next to it was a porcelain basin filled with freshly drawn well water, which was very cool.

A piece of wine was placed in the water.

There were no maids today, and since it was a meal for men and women, everyone was served in small dishes in front of them.

Each person received four dishes and one soup.

After Chen Shao sat down, he began to speak eloquently, instantly easing the somewhat awkward atmosphere.

These three women all flushed a little after drinking. Their beautiful faces and rosy cheeks created an atmosphere that stirred up all sorts of thoughts, easily reminding people of a flushed face.

Chen Shao started by talking about spring plowing, and gradually began to discuss the customs and culture of the Western Regions. The three women gradually opened up as well.

As they drank more and more, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

When Song poured him wine, Chen Shao touched her waist.

Song's face flushed, and she suddenly gave Li Qingzhao a look, then pulled her and said, "I'm a little dizzy, I think it's because I drank too much. Please take me to rest for a while."

Li Qingzhao blushed and said, "Let's go, Fujin, you can help me greet the guests first."

After they left, Chen Shao suddenly uttered a soft "Hmm?" and looked down at the outside of the pavilion. "Your Highness, look, there's a goldfish dancing here."

Maode looked dazed, his face flushed. Although he was feeling very uneasy, he couldn't help but come forward to see what was going on.

Chen Shao suddenly hugged her waist from behind.

"Your Highness, please don't do this." Maode twisted and struggled, but immediately noticed the strange thing behind him.

Her face grew increasingly hot, and she felt a chill behind her. Resigned, she twisted a few times, which was her way of resisting.

Then she simply used the hem of her skirt, which had been lifted up, to cover her head.
-

The floor was littered with cups and plates. Chen Shao saw Mao De dressed and leaning over the railing, looking down.

What are you looking at?

"Were there really goldfish dancing just now?"

Chen Shao burst out laughing.

Maode's face turned even redder. He walked over and slapped Chen Shao's arm, but didn't dare to hit him hard.

Chen Shao pulled her into his arms, and looking at her stunningly beautiful face, he said sternly, "From now on, you are not allowed to let the prince consort touch you!"

Maode felt that he was somewhat domineering and that what he said was absurd and ridiculous, but it all seemed to be his due.

She thought for a moment, then nodded, thinking to herself that the prince consort could no longer touch her.

Poor prince consort
However, he also poisoned his enemy to death.

At this moment, Maode's mind wandered, and his thoughts became a jumbled mess.

It might also be a form of self-protection.

Chen Shao was surprised that she actually nodded.

This pleased him greatly, and he couldn't help but add, "I can touch it anytime."

“Okay.” Maud bit his lip and nodded gently.

Maode stayed with Li Qingzhao, saying he wanted to stay overnight.

It's understandable that she often stays here.

Chen Shao and Song Shi left together.

Inside the carriage, Chen Shao gently stroked Song's hair, smiling broadly.

"Did you please your husband today?"

Chen Shao pinched her cheek and said softly, "Still not quite satisfied?"

"Huh?" Madam Song looked up in confusion. Mao De was such a stunning beauty, and he wasn't satisfied?
Chen Shao lowered his head and whispered in her ear, "I think Yi'an still retains her charm."

Song blushed and muttered a few words under her breath. She was already plotting how to drag her into this mess.

Hey everyone, why are you the only one who gets special treatment?

After finishing everything, I felt a little better.
-

Dengzhou Port, the large ship has entered the sea and is sailing today.

The destination is Korea.

Goryeo and the Song Dynasty had a long-standing trade in silk, porcelain, and medicinal herbs. The main goods that the Song Dynasty imported into Goryeo included tea, bronzeware, and books.

Indeed, books were also a necessity for them; the upper echelons of the Goryeo Dynasty were very fascinated by the culture of the Central Plains.

Then they brought back ginseng and furs from Korea.
This generation of the Goryeo Dynasty had a remarkable record, far surpassing that of their successors.

Not long after the founding of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Shengzong of Liao wanted to control northern Goryeo, while Goryeo relied on the support of the Northern Song Dynasty to expand northward.

As a result, in the "Great Victory of Guizhou" in 1018, Goryeo actually defeated 10 Liao troops, forcing Liao to recognize its sovereignty, but requiring it to cede the former Jurchen territory east of the Yalu River.

They also defeated the Jurchens many times. After the Wanyan tribe unified the Jurchens, they fought repeatedly with Goryeo in Helandian. Although Goryeo won many times, it gradually became powerless to stop the expansion of the Jurchens.

In diplomacy, they were also very skilled, far surpassing their descendants in ability.

As early as when Tong Guan and Zhao Ji wanted to conclude a maritime alliance with the Jurchens, Goryeo explicitly opposed it, even going so far as to sternly refuse the Song envoys from entering Jurchen territory to negotiate an alliance.

Because they had foreseen the threat of the Jurchens' rise early on, they spent a lot of money to import crossbows and gunpowder weapons from the Song Dynasty and improve their cavalry equipment in preparation for the Jurchens' rise.

Later, seeing that the Song Dynasty was going its own way, they secretly compromised with the Liao Dynasty. Unfortunately, the Liao Dynasty was too weak and could not withstand the fierce attack of the Jurchens.

It can be said that the current upper class of Goryeo is vigorously studying the Central Plains civilization, and the fact that they can make books bestsellers is useful.

Their decisions were influenced by Han Chinese wisdom, and although their troops were not very strong, they were still capable of fighting.

This is precisely why it has been able to navigate between several major powers and remain steadfast.

They didn't even lose much territory.

They sensed the rise of the Dingnan Army and made contact with Chen Shao early on.

They probably already had plans to replace their eldest brother.

Chen Shao intends to use Goryeo as a route to attack Liaodong from the Yalu River.

This was the first time he had sent someone to negotiate with the Koreans. He didn't know how many rounds it would take or what conditions the Koreans would offer.

Of course, on the surface, this was still a merchant ship, heading to Goryeo to do business.

At the Daoyu Port in Dengzhou, Qu Duan watched three large ships depart, laden with goods, along with his three trusted confidants and a high-ranking official from Taiyuan sent by the Prince of Dai.

His feelings were like the waves on this boundless sea.

Within its calm lies immense energy.

A war achievement!
It's finally my turn, Qu Da, to pick it up!

Although Qu Duan no longer readily said things like others were ignorant of military matters due to Chen Shao and Zhu Lingling's constant persuasion, his arrogance remained undiminished.

In a seaside watchtower not far away, Xiao was equally excited.

A blush rose on her bright face, and her eyes shone.

We've set sail!
I am determined to open up an unprecedented trade route and seize endless wealth on the vast ocean.
-

Outside Bianliang City.

Chenqiao Town.

Emperor Taizu established his imperial career here, was forced to wear the yellow robe, returned to Bianliang, and seized the Later Zhou dynasty from the hands of an orphan and a widow.

At this moment, Li Gang and Zong Ze met here.

Their expressions were very solemn.

Only now has the Song Dynasty encountered true danger, a hundred times more perilous than that of the Jurchens.

No matter how ruthless the Jurchens were, they could still gather loyal and upright men from all over the world to fight to the death.

We, who are loyal to the Song Dynasty, have the opportunity to fight to the death for our country.

But you can't deal with Chen Shao, your enemy.

Starting a war now gives him a reason to act, and he might end up becoming a sinner for all time.

If war doesn't break out, he will frantically seize the Song Dynasty's national power within the Song system and turn it into his own.

The entire Song Dynasty was being drained by him.

The territory is gradually being lost, and so is people's hearts; this is the most terrifying thing.

If this continues, his power will continue to grow, while the Song Dynasty will become increasingly weak.

Even people like Zhang Shuye and Zhong Shizhong have already defected to Chen Shao.

How many more people can hold on?

Thinking of this, Li Gang tilted his head back and downed a glass of wine, saying, "Rulin, do you think we still have a chance?"

"Don't say such discouraging things." Zong Ze's expression was calmer as he said, "There is still hope."

Li Gang shook his head with a wry smile. "You don't know this, but a few days ago I went into the city to pay my respects to the Emperor. I explained the pros and cons to him and told him to be wary of Chen Shao. Guess what the Emperor said?"

"He actually said that Chen Shao was a pillar of the country and the people's hope, and told me not to talk nonsense, and then he turned and left."

"This is the first time I've ever seen our Emperor so angry. I never expected it would be over a powerful minister!"

This was what made him most desperate: while he and his ilk were still working tirelessly for the Song Dynasty, it seemed that the Song emperor himself had already 'betrayed' them.

This is utterly ridiculous and leaves one speechless.

However, this did not change Li Gang's mind; he was just venting and complaining to his old friend.

Who else could he confide his bitterness to besides people like Zong Ze?
Zong Ze had little contact with the emperor, but his despair was no less than Li Gang's.

How many people in Bianliang sought refuge with the Prince of Dai?

Why don't you come to Hebei and take a look around Youyan?

Do the gentry in these two places still have the Song Dynasty in their hearts and minds?

It's long gone!
Needless to say, the Western Regions, Shaanxi, Hedong, and Shandong were also included.

Li Gang only felt that the Song Dynasty was about to perish and was in great danger, while Zong Ze felt that the Song Dynasty was already dead.

It just hasn't been announced yet.

What made him most desperate was that, after careful consideration, Zong Ze realized that Chen Shao could not die.

While he was alive, he was at least able to control his subordinates and resist foreign invaders.

If Chen Shao were to die now, his hundreds of thousands of troops would instantly become individual military commanders.

The situation would be even more frightening then, and it's not impossible that the chaos of the Five Dynasties period would repeat itself.

The Jurchens would thus rise to prominence and become the next Khitan, or even more powerful than the Khitan.

The composition of the Dingnan Army was too complex.

Their only bond was Chen Shao, the absolute core of the Dingnan Army.

"Rulin, what do you think is the best way to get rid of Chen Shao?"

Zong Ze sighed and said, "We absolutely must not eliminate them."

If you ignore him, he will just slowly bleed the Song Dynasty dry, occupy its land, and win over its people.

But if you try to deal with him, the Central Plains will be thrown into complete chaos.

This problem is unsolvable. To solve it would be as difficult as dealing with Cao Cao, the powerful minister of the Han Dynasty, during the early Wei and late Han periods.

"By the way, have you heard about his plan to establish a navy in Shandong?" Zong Ze wanted to ask about the specifics.

Since the actual existence of the Dingnan Army cannot be changed, it would be better to find out their movements. Zong Ze always felt that the idea of ​​transporting troops by sea to the Liaodong hinterland was very promising.

"What use is a navy!" Li Gang cursed, not taking the matter to heart, and continued to denounce Chen Shao's various acts of disloyalty.

Zong Ze was getting a little annoyed.

This is not the time to vent our frustrations. If we could reclaim Liaodong and then destroy the Jurchens, what an achievement that would be!

In later historical records, this was the most significant chapter, even more glorious than when Emperor Taizu ended the Five Dynasties and established the Song Dynasty.

However, Li Gang and others were surprisingly indifferent to this.

Zong Ze sighed inwardly, thinking that the Song Dynasty's current predicament was probably not due to the emperor's incompetence.

The officials and scholars of the Song Dynasty were also to blame.

You suppressed martial artists too harshly, you were too arrogant, and now you are reaping the consequences.
How should we deal with the retribution that Chen Shaohe and the Dingnan Army have suffered?
His trusted and beloved general Yue Fei had already gone to the front line at Gubeikou. Would such a young and talented general be willing to stay in the Dingnan Army, where merits were rewarded and the Tartars were driven out, or would he stay in the army, which made a series of blunders and suppressed military men, to serve the Song Dynasty?

The answer seems to be no surprise.

Looking at Li Gang today, Zong Ze knew that the noble scholars and officials of the Song Dynasty had not changed or improved in the slightest.
-

Below Gubeikou, in Yue Fei's army camp.

Xu Qing spoke fluently, relaying the words of the Prince of Dai to Yue Fei verbatim.

"The Prince of Dai said that since the Dingnan Army set out from Nuanquan Peak, they have fought more than 500 battles, large and small, without stopping their horses or removing their armor, and are already exhausted."

"And he, the Prince of Dai, never belittles his soldiers, so naturally he should rest and recuperate well, so we need not worry. We should focus on preparing, for the Northern Expedition is inevitable sooner or later."

After listening, Yue Fei pondered for a long time without saying a word.

These words are both right and wrong. The King of Dai should not have such thoughts. Judging from his actions, the King of Dai is a wise man.

He must have some scheme of his own that I haven't realized.

Yue Fei mentally reviewed all the movements of the Dingnan Army that he had witnessed, but couldn't think of any particularly good opportunities.

I didn't see them make any major troop movements.

Seeing his ever-changing expression, Xu Qing suddenly said, "General, we don't need to think too much about it. The King of Dai has seen much further than we have all the way here."

"What we can think of, the Prince of Dai can certainly think of too!"

Listening to his subordinates' intimate words, he heard them praising the Prince of Dai to the highest degree.

Yue Fei suddenly let out a long sigh.
Human nature is such an important thing. (End of Chapter)