You have truly caused me great suffering!

The road from Taiyuan to Bianliang is relatively easy to travel.

Nowadays, it is even more convenient and faster to travel from Huaizhou to the capital region.

People traveled back and forth between Taiyuan and Bianliang in an endless stream; these two cities could be considered the two centers of the Song Dynasty.

Chen Shao personally went out of the city to escort Zhang Xiaochun to Bianliang.

Zhang Xiaochun's arrival in Bianliang was by no means a simple official taking up a post; just looking at the people he brought with him, one could tell that this trip was anything but ordinary.

Within the Taiyuan government, there were more than seventy capable officials and clerks, all of whom served as his subordinates.

After they went to the capital with him, Taiyuan would naturally arrange official positions for them gradually.

This is their group going to Bianliang to reclaim the position that rightfully belongs to them.

The agreements made during the palace coup back then won't be nullified just because Geng Nanzhong is dead.

Zhang Xiaochun made thorough preparations for this trip to Beijing; in fact, he made some sacrifices, which everyone could see clearly.

Staying by Chen Shao's side would certainly be better.

However, Chen Shao's attention to the matter deeply moved him.

Moreover, officials of this rank, you see, can recite poems and songs fluently, possess extraordinary demeanor and exceptional magnanimity.
They assumed he was detached from worldly affairs, broad-minded, and unaffected by external gains or losses.
Actually, they care a lot about their image.

Chen Shao really gave us a lot of face today.

Through this entrepreneurial endeavor with Dingnanjun, Chen Shao gradually realized a truth: for those in positions of power, winning over subordinates is the most cost-effective activity.

It saves you time and effort, and has many benefits.

Chen Shao still felt a little regretful. There were many talented people, and although he knew their abilities, he couldn't use them for his own purposes.

There's no way around it; every dynasty, even the short-lived ones in their final years, will always have some loyal ministers willing to die for them.

Moreover, the Song Dynasty of today is a dynasty with a national fortune of over a hundred years.

Kaiyuan Gate, located in the south of Taiyuan, is an important gateway connecting Taiyuan to the heart of the Central Plains.

Its name means "to explore distant frontiers," and throughout the Song Dynasty, it was a key node for trade and military mobilization.

A banquet is currently being held in a pavilion outside the city gate.

Among those seated in the pavilion, there were only three officials in light robes and loose belts, but there were quite a few attendants standing respectfully outside the pavilion, waiting with their hands at their sides.

Inside the pavilion were Chen Shao, Zhang Xiaochun, and Li Tangchen.

What needs to be said will naturally not be said here; Chen Shao has already reminded me many times.

Li Tangchen has also handed over the list of officials from Hedong to Zhang Xiaochun, as these are allies who can be used in critical moments.

People from the same place are more likely to form factions in the court because their teachers, friends, and clans are all interconnected, with each other intertwined.

People have countless intricate and unbreakable connections, so it's naturally easier for them to stick together.

Bianliang is now a power struggle arena. Chen Shaozheng wants Cai Jing to kick out Li Gang and others, which will create a lot of vacancies.

These are all resources, and Cai Jing will definitely take some of them. Zhang Xiaochun, whom I sent, will arrive in Beijing at this time, which will be just in time.

Outside the pavilion, there were also small farewell banquets, which were held by the relatives and friends of the officials who had accompanied Zhang Xiaochun to the capital.

In this era when communication was difficult, farewells were always somber, but today everyone is filled with joy.

Because they were about to go to Bianliang, a place that everyone in the Song Dynasty longed for, a place of wealth and prosperity.

Moreover, this trip is tantamount to scouting ahead for the Prince of Dai, and his future is limitless.

Chen Shao poured a glass of wine, filled it for Zhang Xiaochun, and then led the two of them out.

The three men raised their wine cups together and addressed those who had come to see them off and were about to head to Bianliang: "Gentlemen, Bianliang is a land of wealth and honor. When you arrive, do not forget the rugged mountains and fierce winds of Hedong. As you embark on your official careers, I wish you all continued success and advancement!"

Everyone smiled and paid their respects, and guards distributed wine glasses, which they then raised together in a toast.

Even after boarding the carriage, Zhang Xiaochun was still excited.

It seems that his initiative to go to Bianliang was the right move.

The King of Dai therefore held him in even higher regard.

When you go to Bianliang, you must do things well and leave no room for error.

Steadily and securely, the empire was transferred from the Song Dynasty to the hands of the Prince of Dai.

After the carriage had been traveling for a long time, he lifted the curtain and looked at the fertile fields around him, thinking that all the way south from Taiyuan, he had seen the same scenery.

It was all thanks to the peaceful and prosperous situation that I and the Prince of Dai had managed together this spring.

As long as the Prince of Dai does not change his current ways, he will surely become a wise and benevolent ruler after ascending to the throne.

Having recovered Yunzhong, Youyan, and other areas, and having defeated and driven back the western bandits and northern barbarians, Zhang Xiaochun dared not imagine how future historians would praise him!

To share the nation's fate, to bring blessings to one's descendants, and to have one's name recorded in history—what more could one ask for!

When I was studying, my greatest hope was to become a capable minister who could govern a peaceful world; my biggest dream was to serve as prime minister for three years.

Who would have thought that we would encounter such a major event?

This was the general idea in Zhang Xiaochun's team: ambitious and determined to go to Bianliang.
-

After seeing these people off, Chen Shao looked towards the horizon; the sun was setting in the west.

Those who came to see him off also bowed and bid farewell to Chen Shao.

Chen Shao and his guards did not leave.

Today, outside the city, we not only bid farewell but also welcome others.

Liu Jizu went to Heishan and was on his way back when the messenger he sent said he would arrive today.

Now that they were out, Chen Shao simply ordered a trip to the engineering institute to welcome Liu Jizu back to the city.

Chen Shao usually only comes to the engineering institute when he has made progress, so his uninvited appearance today has everyone very nervous.

Zhao Zhicheng, the magistrate, hurriedly came out to pay his respects.

Chen Shao said with a smile, "I just came to take a look around."

Zhao Zhicheng was secretly delighted. He had thought the Engineering Institute was a low-level department, but he hadn't expected the Prince of Dai to value it so much.

Since being promoted to Director of the Institute of Engineering, he has received commendations from the Prince of Dai five times, and his official career has been fully established.

Although Chen Shao said he was just looking around, Zhao Zhicheng accompanied him the whole time and explained things to him along the way.

As Chen Shao walked, his original view was reinforced: in the Central Plains, as long as those in power take something seriously, there is nothing they cannot accomplish or do poorly.

Gunpowder and artillery have been greatly improved, and now there are even cannons that can fire at a range of 300 zhang (approximately 150 meters).

In fact, with such power and range, it is already ready to be deployed on the battlefield.

However, since bronze cannons are still quite valuable, Chen Shao instructed them to make further improvements before putting them into use.

It is a powerful tool for both attacking and defending cities.

Although the firearm was still not made, research and development was being accelerated, and the craftsmen were working day and night under the lure of generous rewards.

After all, in the past, it was just a reward, and not much at that. The Song, Liao, and Xia dynasties were about the same in this regard.

But the Prince of Dai is different. Zhao Zhicheng, the current one, was promoted to the position of Director after improving the gunpowder formula.

Promotion and wealth are often mentioned together, but their allure is completely different.

Craftsmen can become officials? That's a disaster.

In fact, Chen Shao not only valued firearms and agricultural tools, but he also promoted many talents in water conservancy and agriculture to serve as officials in prefectures and counties. He truly valued all four social classes: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Significant progress has been made in all four areas.

Looking at the craftsmen who were diligently researching and creating, Chen Shao felt a surge of pride, thinking that he might be ushering in a new era.

Although his civil and military officials had high hopes for the future, they may have underestimated its potential.

Because of Chen Shao's foresight, what he was about to create was not just the change of dynasties.

It was a great era that surpassed the Han and Tang dynasties, with vast blue waters and boundless territories, and the expansion of new territories.

After taking a stroll around the engineering college, Chen Shao saw that it was about time, so he led his personal guards to welcome Liu Jizu back.

This time, Liu Jizu went to Heishan and persuaded Wanyan Balisu.

Chen Shao was unwilling to cooperate with the Tatars, and even less willing to see a unified Mongol state emerge on the grasslands.

If this thing develops, it will be much more troublesome than the Jurchens.

Liu Jizu was excited to see the Taiyuan city gate right in front of him. After seeing the people waiting at the gate, he jumped off his horse.

He rubbed his eyes, ran a few steps forward, and turned to ask, "Is that... the Prince of Dai?"

"It really is the Prince of Dai!"

Liu Jizu blushed and looked around; everyone else was in a similar state.

Everyone felt that their lives had not been in vain.

"Meet the king!"

Chen Shao chuckled and said, "Thank you all for your hard work!"

It was early summer, and the evenings in the suburbs were quite cool. Chen Shao and Liu Jizu sat down on the ground by the river in the suburbs and talked for a while about the details of their trip.

Chen Shao listened attentively. Although the Mengwu Kingdom had only just been established, Chen Shao was already wary of it.

The greatest respect we can show to this scourge is to kill it before it's too late.

This is a civilization that takes pride in killing, raping, and enslaving others.

Its early demise would be the greatest contribution to the world.

"If Wanyan Balisu can handle this matter well, I won't treat him unfairly," Chen Shao said with a smile.

“His current situation is very dangerous. The Jin Kingdom probably wants to eat him alive.” Liu Jizu laughed. “However, he and his men are really indulging in pleasure and extravagance. I wonder if they can still suppress the nomadic tribes on the grasslands.”

Chen Shao thought about it carefully and said, "In the past, it was mostly a one-sided massacre. The mixed nomadic tribes of the grasslands had no way to fight against the Jurchen cavalry."

"I don't know for sure right now, but they have the advantage. It would be best if they could fight to a stalemate."

After a few years, once the Dingnan Army has completed its northern expedition, those eager for military merit will have something to do.

The problem of the northern barbarians must be resolved completely.

In fact, this is not an absolutely impossible task. When productivity develops to a certain level, it is not a problem at all.

Seeing that it was getting dark, Chen Shao laughed and said, "Today I'm hosting a banquet for you all. Come to think of it, I've never hosted a banquet before!"

Chen Shao basically didn't do these things; even on New Year's Day, he didn't have a banquet with his subordinates.

Because feasting is a very bad habit that easily breeds corruption and decadence.

During the Tang Dynasty, it was common for high-ranking officials and nobles to drink a little wine and then grope dancing girls at banquets.

By the Song Dynasty, things had improved slightly, but when people were in high spirits after drinking, they would still exchange concubines and maids.

Many dignitaries would drag their female attendants to the garden to relieve themselves during banquets.

If she became pregnant afterward, it would be a messy affair, which is why illegitimate sons in the Song Dynasty were generally not well-liked.

It's not necessarily true that they are your own offspring.
Chen Shao also loved beautiful women, but he disliked this kind of unhealthy trend, so he rarely held banquets.

Liu Jizu, who always knew this, squinted and smiled, “It’s almost night, so how can we trouble the people of the Prince’s residence? I’ve already sent someone to inform the Prince’s residence to prepare wine and food. If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, please come to my residence.”

"Alright."

A group of people held a banquet at Liu Jizu's residence. As expected, Liu Jizu understood Chen Shao and did not arrange any singing or dancing.

At the table, everyone took turns sharing their experiences and observations from their journey to the west, as well as their views on the Mongol Empire and Khabul.

Most people think that although pulling away quickly can win, it may not be able to move the muscles and bones of the body.

Chen Shaohe and the others shared similar views, all agreeing that the matter was indeed very difficult.

Because the grasslands are just so vast.

If they can't win, they'll just head north into the desert, unless you're foolish enough to wait there.

Balisu couldn't afford to waste time with them. The advantage was that if the Jurchens hadn't completely forgotten their roots, they were not much different from the Tatars on the grasslands in terms of cold resistance.

After all, both sides live in icy and snowy environments.

Finally, everyone gathered together, and under the candlelight of the bronze pillars, they used wine cups to represent the various troops, piecing together a rough picture of the battlefield situation.

Then they huddled together and started discussing.

When it was almost time, Chen Shao got up to leave, but Liu Jizu said, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. It just so happens that Caiwei has returned today. Why don't you stay and go back to the manor together tomorrow?"

Chen Shao was exhausted after a long day and really didn't want to move anymore, so he nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you."

Liu Jizu just said it casually, but unexpectedly Chen Shao, who was wandering around the engineering college and had back and leg pains, actually agreed.

He immediately ordered people to make preparations and informed the backyard.

Soon after, his guards escorted him into a courtyard, and then set up a perimeter around it.

After Chen Shao entered the corridor, Liu Caiwei came out to greet him. She was more cheerful and lively than usual, even though she was at home.

She stepped forward and took Chen Shao's arm, smiling as she said, "Your Majesty, come quickly, this is the courtyard where Caiwei grew up."

She was in a really good mood and kept introducing things to Chen Shao along the way.

Previously, he would follow behind Li Yumei for a long time without uttering a single word. He was timid and dull, which greatly displeased Li Yumei.

Because she originally wanted to bring Liu Caiwei along to secure the emperor's favor, since the two of them had been brought into the king's harem together.

Back in his room, a maid brought water, and she personally helped Chen Shao bathe.

The soft curtains were thin and breathable, and the two lay inside, panting, after they had finished.

Looking at the bright moon outside the window, Chen Shao said with a smile, "You are much more charming and lively at your own family home than at the Prince's mansion."

Liu Caiwei's face was flushed. She didn't say much, but instead snuggled up to Chen Shao.

Although she was happy at home, she was actually quite tired just now.

Chen Shao turned his head and, in the moonlight, looked at her pretty and youthful face, with big eyes and a small mouth, coupled with her shy expression, she was a beautiful young girl.

He immediately understood that Liu Caiwei was simply an immature girl who had suddenly left home and entered the Prince's Mansion and had never truly let go of her feelings.

In contrast, Huanhuan, who is about the same age as her, also left home.

However, when she was in the Zhong family, her only relative was her stepmother, Zhe Shi, who then followed her into Chen Shao's home.

She essentially never left home.
Thinking of this, Chen Shao put his hand on her bare shoulder and put his arm around Liu Caiwei, saying, "Make more friends at the mansion. When you have nothing to do, you can also hang out with Yumei and socialize with those noble ladies."

In her former boudoir, Liu Caiwei was unusually bold, nodding and saying, "They know." (End of Chapter)