Prime Minister

Chapter 1370 All Nations Pay Tribute (Second Update)

Chapter 1370 All Nations Pay Tribute (Second Update)

After the two envoys left, Zhang Yue's eyes gleamed.

Minister of Revenue Chen Guan and Minister of Rites Su Zhe knew that Zhang Yue must be plotting something important at this moment.

In fact, the two of them were right.

It didn't matter that they couldn't contact Beizubu. The Baspa and Wanggu tribes were also sometimes loyal to Liao and sometimes opposed Liao. Liao had always paid money to keep these two tribes at peace.

The Liao Dynasty held the annual tribute from the Song Dynasty in its left hand and handed it over to the Baspa and Ongud tribes in its right hand to provide relief to the local poor.

The Baspa and Ongud tribes were very friendly when the Liao Dynasty paid them money, but they started to show their teeth when the Liao Dynasty paid them less, so they were the kind of people who could not be tamed.

The Liao Kingdom didn't really have any solutions.

Among the various Zubu tribes, those that truly submitted to the Liao Dynasty were mainly the Southern Zubu, also known as the Western Zubu.

Just as the Song Dynasty divided the barbarians into "raw barbarians" and "cooked barbarians," the Northwest Zubu and the Northern Zubu (Northern Desert Zubu) were considered "raw barbarians" to the Liao Dynasty, while the Western Zubu (Southern Desert Zubu) were considered "cooked barbarians."

The Zubu tribes in southern Mongolia were mainly the Dilie and Wugu tribes. After these two tribes were defeated by the Liao Dynasty, the Liao Dynasty established the Wugu Dilie Military Command to govern them.

Later, the Dilie tribe split into eight. Two tribes migrated with the Liao dynasty, while the remaining six tribes were called the Tatar tribe.

The Tatars, when translated, sound similar to the Tartars. They were also a powerful tribe of the Zub, with strength comparable to that of the Kereit tribe.

Historically, the Tatar tribe was a loyal henchman of the Liao and Jurchen states. It was the Tatar tribe that assisted the Liao in capturing Mogus, the grandfather of Wang Han, during the Mogus Rebellion.

Genghis Khan's grandfather Amba Khan and father Yesugei were also killed by the Tatars.

Therefore, the Tatar tribe had a long-standing feud with the Mongol and Qarl tribes, which is why Genghis Khan sought refuge with Wang Khan in history.

The Tatar tribe of the Liao Dynasty, and even later the Jin Dynasty, remained the most powerful and trusted of the Zubu tribes, similar to the Wanyan tribe's position among the Jurchens. However, the Tatar tribe occasionally rebelled against the Liao Dynasty.

Throughout the history of the Liao Dynasty, the Zubu were constantly rebelling, and the Liao Dynasty continuously waged war against them.

The last time the Dilie tribe rebelled against Liao was seventy years ago.

Luring the strongest faction to suppress the rest has always been a tactic used by the Liao Dynasty to suppress the Zubu and Jurchen.

During this tribute mission to the Liao Dynasty, Zhang Yue learned from the two envoys that the Mogus had begun to join forces with the Merkit and other tribes to continuously harass the Liao territory. The Liao's Northwest Route Pacification Commission was also solely focused on appeasement.

According to another timeline, in the eighth year of the Da'an era, which is three years later, the great rebellion of the nine tribes of the Zubu, led by Mogus, will occur.

This was the largest rebellion the Liao Dynasty had ever experienced, far exceeding the scale of the Fang La Rebellion during the Song Dynasty.

The apparent cause was the Liao Dynasty's 'accidental attack' on the Yedu Gua tribe, but in reality, the Liao Dynasty was already on the path of declining national strength. When Yelü Hongji was on his deathbed, he warned his grandson not to go to war with the Song Dynasty, for the sake of the two countries' century-long peace. It was not that he loved peace, but that he understood that the Liao Dynasty was increasingly unable to control the Zubu and Jurchens, and that it was not advisable to go to war with the Song Dynasty.

Seeing Zhang Yue sit down again, Chen Guan stepped forward and said, "The Liao Kingdom is declining, while in contrast, the Song Dynasty has been thriving under the leadership of the Minister of Works in recent years. The Minister of Works must be in complete control now."

Su Zhe also said, "Everything is proceeding according to Sikong's plan!"

Zhang Yue said, "Neither of you should flatter me."

"I was just thinking of the grand meeting in the past, when Zhuge Liang said, 'If there is any change in the world, then send a general to lead the Jingzhou army towards Wan and Luo, while you lead the Yizhou troops out of Qin Chuan. If this is done, then hegemony can be achieved and the Han dynasty can be restored.'"

Zhang Yue paused for a moment and said, "The four words 'the world is in flux' are truly accurate."

Chen Guan and Su Zhe nodded.

Su Zhe said, "The late emperor's lifelong ambition was to reclaim the former territories of the Han and Tang dynasties. The prime minister is carrying on the late emperor's dying wish, just as Emperor Zhaolie of Han entrusted his son to Zhuge Liang."

"Zhuge Liang launched seven expeditions to Qishan to conquer the Central Plains, but unfortunately his ambitions were not fulfilled. This was because Jingzhou and Xiangyang were not in the hands of Shu Han, so he could not support them alone."

"Now the nation is well-armed, the people live in peace and prosperity, and the barbarians around the world are gradually becoming more peaceful. We are only waiting for the time when the world changes! The Prime Minister's plans are well-thought-out before he acts, which is far beyond what Zhuge Liang can do!"

However, Zhang Yue said, "How dare I compare myself to Zhuge Liang?"

"But only by emulating those who dedicate themselves to the cause can one leave a mark on history."

The late emperor's dying wish was a golden signboard for Zhang Yue, and the late emperor's last words of entrustment weighed heavily on his heart.

From beginning to end, Zhang Yue lived up to the late emperor's trust by adhering to the principle of "being entrusted with a task and being loyal to it."

Chen Guan said, "When I was serving under the Prime Minister, he often taught me that planning is 30% human effort and 70% fate, so it cannot be forced."

"But if one does not make steady progress day by day, exerting continuous effort and persevering for a long time, one will have no way to seize the opportunity when the great opportunity comes."

After a pause, Chen Guan said, "Unfortunately, Cai Chizheng and the others do not understand the Minister of Works' good intentions. Even many officials who came from the Imperial Academy opposed this peace talks with Liao, and even said that paying 500,000 taels of silver to this day is a national disgrace."

"These people are determined to destroy the Dangxiang Liao Kingdom, and even said that they should take over Youyan now and go straight to Huanglongfu."

Zhang Yue smiled upon hearing this, but he understood that at his position, he was no longer just Zhang Yue; he represented a certain interest group, or rather, a certain ideology.

Don't be fooled by Zhang Yue's current position of power; if you stand in the way of your subordinates' advancement, they won't respect you.

Moreover, there were figures like Cai Que, Lü Huiqing, and Zhang Dun cheering them on. Their aim was not only to achieve merit and establish their own place in history. As long as the Dangxiang were eliminated, the New Party's status would be elevated, and their names would no longer be listed in the biographies of treacherous officials, but rather in the biographies of virtuous ministers.

Su Zhe's face darkened upon hearing this, and he said, "At worst, we can just dismiss these people again. If the destruction of the Dangxiang is successful in the future, it will seem like their achievement."

Zhang Yue waved his hand and said, "When bestowing favors, one should think of not giving undeserved rewards out of joy; when imposing punishments, one should think of not abusing authority out of anger."

Do not punish others without cause for their words.

After a pause, Su Zhe turned to Chen Guan and teased, "Speaking of Fujian Road, it has always been known for producing 'imperial factions'."

Su Zhe said, "I think it's just a case of being ambitious and eager for quick success."

A moment later, Huang Lü entered with a grave expression and said, "Prime Minister, Cai Chi has committed suicide by swallowing gold in Anzhou..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue stood up, his face filled with disbelief.

Su Zhe and Chen Guan were also surprised and shocked. The officials under the eaves were also surprised to see the several ministers in such a state.

Time seemed to have frozen.

Huang Lü choked up as he said, "Chizheng left a letter in blood to remonstrate with the emperor, urging the prime minister to lead the army north and not forget the late emperor's dying wish!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue slumped back into his chair, utterly dejected: "Senior brother..."

Suddenly, Zhang Yue recalled their first meeting thirty years ago outside the Imperial Academy gate, under a tall locust tree, with that sharp and shrewd young man.

Chen Guan sighed when he thought of Cai Que.

Su Zhe, who had impeached Cai Que several times, finally sighed, and all the grudges of the past years vanished with the moment of his death.

Zhang Yue slowly said, "My senior brother and I both come from humble backgrounds. We have come this far without anyone to rely on, and that is how we have achieved what we have today..."

Chen Guan comforted him, saying, "Prime Minister, there is no need to be too sad. As the saying goes, a scholar will die for one who understands him. Cai Chizheng was also wholeheartedly repaying the late emperor's great kindness, so he followed him to the netherworld."

Zhang Yue said, "Restore everything to Cai Chizheng..."

Zhang Yue paused and said

"No, wait until I have pacified the Tanguts..."

A moment later, Cai Jing rushed in and said urgently, "Prime Minister... Prime Minister... uphold justice for him."

Zhang Yue nodded and said, "I know. After I pass away, I will entrust the reins to you. You must take good care of your children and family."

Cai Jing said, "Yes."

After saying this, Cai Jing also shed tears.

Su Zhe felt a deep unease seeing Cai Jing's presence. In the past, when Zhang Yue and Cai Que had a strained relationship, Cai Jing often spoke derogatory terms about Cai Que, even though it was common knowledge that Cai Jing and Cai Que had previously had a good relationship. Now that Cai Que was dead, the threat to Zhang Yue was gone, and seeing Zhang Yue rekindle old friendships, Cai Jing's relationship with Cai Que had become close again.

Su Zhe disapproved of Cai Jing's actions.

Chen Guan also disliked Cai Jing, though he knew that Zhang Yue was very devoted to Cai Jing.

Zhang Yue's every move, every glance, every casual remark was carefully analyzed to understand its underlying meaning. When handling official business, he always addressed others as "Sikong." How could a superior not like such an official?

……

In the third year of Yuanyou's reign, there was a great meeting at Zhengdan.

The biting north wind finally subsided.

On New Year's Day, Bianjing (Kaifeng) was covered in silver, a sign of good fortune.

Under the sunshine after the snow, the Xuande Gate tower appeared even more majestic and imposing, perched on the central axis of the capital, overlooking all directions.

Beneath the red steps, all the officials stood solemnly.

Zhang Yue, as a first-rank official of the court, wore a purple robe and stood at the head of all ranks. Famous ministers such as Wen Yanbo, Feng Jing, and Lü Gongzhu were like pillars of stability, sitting in front of him.

Civil and military officials were arranged according to their rank, their red, purple, blue, and green official robes resembling the morning glow, covering the vast imperial steps paved with white marble.

Such was the majesty of the imperial family.

On the throne, the young Emperor Zhao Xu sat high above the palace steps, his crown adorned with pearls, his spirit radiant.

After the great victory at Lingzhou, the surrender of Western Xia, and the final peace treaty with Liao, the young emperor's eyes held an even deeper and more imposing presence.

He gazed at the magnificent scene before him, a grand spectacle that Prime Minister Zhang and his officials had painstakingly created.

The envoys from various countries arrived in turn to pay their respects, their voices differing yet filled with awe.

The Liao envoy, Xiao Xi, dressed in Khitan finery, presented the official letter and gifts, but his brows furrowed with tension, a far cry from the arrogance he once displayed when he frequently interfered in the wars between the Song and Xia dynasties.

The heavy losses suffered by the Pishi Army at Waqiao Pass, the Song army's skill in battle, and the national strength depleted over two years of fighting against the Song Dynasty, although some victories were achieved for the Song Dynasty, were of little consequence to the Song Dynasty.

On the contrary, the Liao Dynasty's national strength had declined considerably, and its control over Goryeo, Jurchen, and Zubu had greatly diminished. Facing the Song Dynasty's emperor and ministers, the Liao Dynasty tried its best to maintain its dignity, but the arrogant attitude of the envoys from years past was gone, replaced by a deep fear of the Song Dynasty's growing national strength and military power.

If the Liao envoys were like this, the Tangut envoys were even more apprehensive, like quails.

This time, the Tanguts sent their Prime Minister Li Qing to pay their respects, which was the highest honor they could bestow.

Qin Guan, the Vice Minister of Rites, maintained his cold and contemptuous attitude. When they paid their respects, they pressed their foreheads deeply onto the cold gold bricks, performing the rites of a subject.

The cession of the three prefectures of Dingnan, the fall of Lingzhou, and the decline of the Tangut people had brought them to the brink of annihilation. Only by relying on the Liao Dynasty could they reach a peace agreement with the Song Dynasty. After surrendering, facing the increasingly powerful Song Dynasty, the Tangut people could only feel fear and submission.

The envoys from other tributary states such as Goryeo, Uyghur, and Jiaozhi also presented tribute in accordance with etiquette, using humble language to praise the virtues of the Celestial Empire.

Of course, the most eye-catching and attention-grabbing were the two new faces from the distant northern frontier who were new to Bianjing.

The envoy from the Baspa tribe was tall and valiant, dressed in a gleaming sable coat and a brocade belt inlaid with gold and jade, exuding the air of a nobility from the steppes.

At this moment, he spoke in clear and fluent Uyghur, his voice booming like a bell: "By order of the Sun Khan, I respectfully present one hundred fine horses, ten white camels, and one thousand catties of gold dust! The Sun Khan admires the splendor of the Celestial Empire and wishes to forever serve as its bulwark, protecting its northern borders, for all eternity!"

Its sound is loud and powerful.

The words translated by the Ministry of Rites officials echoed in the main hall, after which Shi Deyi presented the imperial edict and read aloud: "Imperial Edict: The chieftain of the Baspa tribe, the governor of the Hanhai region, is hereby granted a gold seal and a purple ribbon! So be it!"

Upon hearing this, the envoy from the Baspa was visibly moved and bowed deeply once more, with his attendants holding up the golden seal high behind him.

The Ongud envoy, dressed in a fur robe, displayed a dignified demeanor that reflected his admiration for culture and education.

He bowed deeply, patted his chest, and said, "Our small tribe, the White Tatars, presents a thousand fine bows and five hundred black fox pelts!"

After a pause, he continued, "Our humble tribe has long lived in the northern deserts, yearning for the teachings of China as thirsty for sweet rain. Now, thanks to the Celestial Empire's favor, we humbly request that you bestow upon us the books of the sages so that we may study the rites and laws of China! We humbly beg Your Majesty's permission!"

Zhang Yue thought to himself, "Are the officials from the Ministry of Rites very capable? They managed to change the attitude of the Wanggu envoy so quickly."

Emperor Zhao Xu glanced at Zhang Yue and saw him nod slightly, so he gently agreed.

The imperial edict was immediately issued: "The sincerity of the White Tatar tribe is commendable. Their ruler is hereby appointed as the 'Military Governor of Gaoque Prefecture.' Ten boxes each of the Five Classics and the Song Code are bestowed upon them!"

This scene brought the entire court assembly to a climax.

The tribute from the Zubu tribes drew nods of approval from the ministers, while the envoys from the Liao and Dangxiang kingdoms wore subtle expressions.

The Baspa Wanggu tribe, which was a subordinate tribe of the Khitan, actually began to pay tribute to the Song Dynasty.

This is not a slap in the face to the Khitan.

Xiao Xi felt so angry that her lungs were about to explode.

At that moment, the bells and chimes rang out in unison, and elegant music resounded, shaking the palace.

Civil and military officials bowed respectfully, and envoys from all nations bowed their heads in submission.

The cheers of "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" rang out like a tsunami.

Zhang Yue didn't know what Xiao Xi and Li Qing's attitude or thoughts were at this moment.

Thinking back to when Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne, how arrogant and rude the Khitan envoys were... Now...

……

A few days later, Xiao Xi withdrew from the capital.

Xiao Xi seemed to have a premonition of something and repeatedly reminded Zhang Yue not to forget the Treaty of Chanyuan and the peace treaty signed not long ago between the Song, Liao, and Xia kingdoms.

Zhang Yue laughed upon hearing this, while Su Zhe said that the Liao Kingdom still had more than 300,000 troops stationed in Youyan. What kind of peace is this?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xi smiled wryly and promised to withdraw that part of the troops.

Upon receiving a reply from the Song Dynasty, Xiao Xi hurriedly returned to Youzhou.

In February of the third year of Yuanyou.

When Xiao Xi hurriedly returned to Youzhou with the Song Dynasty's ambiguous reply, the doomsday scenario he feared was spreading irreversibly through the heart of the Liao Empire.

The "Da'an Baochao" strongly promoted by Yelü Hongji was a reform modeled after the Song Dynasty.

Less than a year after the new banknotes were issued, counterfeit banknotes swept across the grasslands and markets like a plague. The extent to which these crudely made counterfeit banknotes were rampant far exceeded the government's expectations. They were mixed with genuine banknotes and were indistinguishable from the real ones, demonstrating the low level of banknote production in the Liao Dynasty and completely destroying the already fragile monetary credibility.

The thin pieces of paper that the herders on the grasslands exchanged for with freshly sheared wool and strong horses lost all value overnight.

At the market, vendors clutched stacks of banknotes, yet they couldn't even exchange them for half a sack of life-saving millet.

The Liao Dynasty's market economy was paralyzed like never before, and the primitive method of bartering was forced to revive, leaving the once prosperous streets of Youzhou in a state of utter desolation.

The heaviest blow fell on the 300,000 Liao soldiers.

The Khitan soldiers, who were on high alert and ready for battle, clutched their military pay and watched helplessly as it turned into worthless paper in the market.

In an attempt to fill the enormous financial hole torn open by inflation and counterfeit money, the Liao court not only failed to pull back from the brink but instead became even more desperate for a quick fix.

A series of harsh decrees were issued to the Zubu tribes: "Hide Tax" - herders were required to pay tribute of animal hides far exceeding their ability to pay.

"Horse tax" – the forced requisition of young and strong warhorses, with numerous pretexts and ruthless exploitation, as if scraping bones.

Amidst this devastated and turbulent situation, Xiao Xi arrived in the capital. Upon arriving at the post station, he received news that Yelü Hongji had recently become unpredictable, and several ministers who had previously spoken out against the "Da'an Baochao" had already been executed by the emperor.

After Yelü Yixin's departure, the atmosphere in Yanjing is tense once again.

Just like the reforms in the Song Dynasty, the more intense the opposition, the more difficult it is to adjust the policies. Now, with counterfeit banknotes rampant, the Da'an Baochao (a type of paper money) has not only not been abolished, but has been pushed forward even more forcefully in the Liao Dynasty amidst fierce opposition, with the aim of maintaining Yelü Hongji's dignity.

Xiao Xi then entered the palace and saw Xiao Wuna, the Southern Privy Councilor, advising Yelü Hongji: "Your Majesty! The elite troops of the Southern Court must not be sent north to suppress the Zubu!"

"Zhang San is training his troops day and night in the Northwest, and has already deployed 200,000 troops, eyeing the Dangxiang people with hostility on the Xihe Road! Not to mention the 300,000 Western Army troops on the four routes of Shaanxi and the Hedong Road!"

"If the defenses of Youyan are emptied to suppress the rebellion of Zubu, then... if the Song army takes advantage of the situation and rushes into Xingqing Prefecture like wolves and boars... the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Enraged, Yelü Hongji suddenly raised his leg and slammed it hard onto the heavy imperial desk in front of him.

With a loud crash, the desk overturned, and the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, along with the memorials reporting disasters in various places, the Ministry of Revenue's account books lamenting poverty, and the urgent reports from the border troops urging payment, all crashed to the ground in a mess.

Yelü Hongji said, “Satisfied?! The Song people seized Lingzhou, occupied Hengshan, and forced the Dangxiang to submit! When have they ever been satisfied?! Do you think I don’t know? They are insatiable! That Zhang Yue… a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Do you think I don’t know how treacherous he is?!”

"If the grasslands fall into the hands of rioters, the dragon veins are shaken, and the mausoleum of our ancestor Taizu is coveted by bandits, how can the spirits of our Khitan ancestors rest in peace?! This is an unparalleled disgrace, a shame for all ages! It is a thousand times worse than the intimidation by Zhang Yue's small troop deployment in the south! The troops of the Southern Court must be transferred north!"

"Can the Southern Dynasty truly keep its word and cease hostilities with the Tanguts?"

Xiao Wuna looked at Xiao Xi, who was also unsure of himself, thinking of the grand court assembly where all the southern dynasties paid tribute, displaying an aura of unparalleled power and influence.

But at this moment, he looked at Yelü Hongji's expression. This monarch was "unpredictable above and suspicious below." As his subjects, they were often uneasy in the face of an emperor who acted on a whim.

Since the Liao Dynasty's reforms, the ministers of the Khitan have also learned the same bad habits as the ministers of the Song Dynasty, wavering between right and wrong.

Officials in the Liao Dynasty who opposed it also invariably cited ancestral laws, claiming that it was the traditional lifestyle of nomadic tribes throughout the ages.

One moment they say it's true, the next they say it's not.

However, after the Chongyuan Rebellion, the Empress Xiao affair, and Yelü Yixin's defection, many Liao officials gradually became more politically astute. In particular, the Han Chinese ministers of Youyan, who were good at sensing the winds of change, gradually became trusted and valued by Yelü Hongji.

When faced with Han Chinese officials who were most capable of carrying out Yelü Hongji's wishes, Liao officials often seemed slow to act.

Sometimes, many ministers who originally supported Yelü Hongji's reforms were punished more severely because their support for the reforms was not thorough enough.

This led to the gradual resurgence of factional strife in the Liao Dynasty. If Yelü Yixin previously represented the lower classes within the Khitan, now it was a power struggle between Khitan and Han officials.

But Xiao Xi still possessed the straightforwardness of the Khitan people; he was not the kind of minister who would make up stories to please the emperor.

Xiao Xi said carefully, "The Song people are still keeping their word for now, but it's hard to say what will happen if they are late."

"From what I've seen, the Song emperor and his ministers have been plotting against the Dangxiang for many years. Once we withdraw our troops from Youyan, and the Song army regroups in Hebei, they can march westward, and the Dangxiang will be in grave danger!"

"Then let's finish this quickly! Move the troops north!" Yelü Hongji waved his hand.

In March of the fourth year of the Yuan You era, Yelü Helu Saogu, the Liao Dynasty's Northwest Route Pacification Commissioner, sent troops to forcibly requisition 10,000 warhorses from the Mogus tribe under the pretext of "resisting tax collection." In the ensuing conflict, hundreds of Mogus people were massacred.

The Liao Dynasty dealt with rebellions by forceful suppression, regardless of whether there was any justification or right and wrong. Face was paramount; the Liao Dynasty could not tolerate even a drop of blood on its face.

The cold wind swept across the withered grassland, and the imperial edict brought by the Liao envoy to collect "fur tax" and "horse tax" became the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Mogus, the leader of the Northern Zubu, was also a figure highly regarded by the Liao Dynasty, which is why he was granted the position of leader of the Northern Zubu.

Now he watched helplessly as Liao officials came to the tribe with "Da'an Treasure Notes" to "exchange" cattle and sheep and collect taxes.

He personally dragged the arrogant Liao envoy to the altar and sacrificed him to the heavens with his blood!

Amidst the towering flames, the Khitan military camp was reduced to ashes, marking the complete break between the grasslands and the Liao court.

Immediately, the proclamation flew like a falcon to all tribes: The Khitan are tyrannical, their oppressive taxes as cruel as tigers and wolves! Their elite troops have perished in the south, their treasuries are empty like the bellies of hungry wolves! We must join together to overthrow this foolish ruler and restore our Shiwei territory!

Immediately, the Northern Enemy Rebels mobilized upon hearing the order.

The cavalry from various units converged like a tide, and within ten days, they had amassed more than 100,000 men!

Liao general Yelü Helu Saogu, despising the rebel army as a rabble, led his troops in a hasty advance to the Luqu River, only to run headlong into Mogus's well-rested and elite cavalry. The Liao army hastily engaged in battle and was routed by the familiar steppe cavalry's flanking maneuvers, leaving corpses strewn across the battlefield.

This great victory made Mogus a powerful figure in the northern desert. He then declared himself "Zubu Khan" and, riding the wave of his victory, led 100,000 iron cavalry straight to the Liao capital, Linhuang Prefecture!

In an instant, the northern border of the Liao Kingdom was shrouded in smoke and fire!

Faced with this catastrophic disaster, Yelü Hongji had no choice but to swallow the bitter pill. He urgently appointed the renowned general Yelü Wotera as the Northwest Expeditionary Commissioner, leading a large army that had returned from Youzhou northward to quell the rebellion at Zubu.

……

Hedong Prefecture.

The biting cold of the north and the political turmoil of the capital, Bianjing, arrived together.

Lu Huiqing's face grew increasingly aged and taut. He had just put down the official document from the capital, which, beneath its routine, reassuring words, seemed to him a cold warning and an invisible rope.

Before the aftermath of Cai Que's suicide by swallowing gold in Anzhou had subsided, the focus shifted to Lü Huiqing himself.

This former pioneer of reform, the military governor who held significant military power in Hedong for over a decade, now looks exhausted.

Lu Huiqing didn't know if this was Zhang Yue's intention, but looking at the several impeachment copies, it seemed that Cai Que had been forced to his death.

He knew he was in grave danger.

He was like someone standing on the edge of a cliff, a gust of wind could blow him off completely. His fate might be an exile even further away than Anzhou, where Cai Que was exiled.

The attendants said, "General, now that things have come to this, the only solution is to write a letter to Zhang San, explaining the grievances you've suffered over the years."

Lu Wenqing, the deputy transport commissioner of Hedong Road, said, "What grievance? We are determined not to write it down. The military commander has also made great contributions to the court. He has guarded Hedong for more than ten years, and many troops of the Dangxiang in Liaodong have been stopped."

"We are not only without fault, but also meritorious."

“If Zhang San dares to treat his elder brother like this, he will surely chill the hearts of the people of the world.”

The other party replied, "That's true, but the imperial court is just that ruthless. When they need your help, they'll treat you well."

"Now that Lingzhou has been conquered, and the Liao Kingdom is too busy to take care of itself, the court no longer needs to rely on us."

"The imperial court has a penchant for bringing up old grievances these days, especially the events of the Xining Reforms."

Lü Wenqing said, "Brother, I have heard that although His Majesty is young, he is very intelligent. Let's submit a memorial to His Majesty."

After hearing this, Lü Huiqing remained silent, and finally said, "In all these years, I have never admitted my mistake, not even in the seventh year of Xining."

"But things are different now..."

In the seventh year of the Xining era, Wang Anshi was reinstated as prime minister for the second time. Lü Huiqing, who was serving as a vice minister, did not bow down to Wang Anshi for the sake of his own future.

But those were the days...

After a pause, Lü Huiqing said, "Cai Chizheng imprisoned so many people back then, so this is just karma."

That night, Lü Huiqing wrote a letter.

After finishing the letter, Lü Huiqing lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.

……

The imperial court was indeed purging Lü Huiqing, and the initiator was Su Zhe.

Indeed, Su Zhe could let Cai Que go, but he wouldn't let Lü Huiqing go. Besides Su Zhe, several other people also contributed to this, namely Han Zhongyan and Cai Jing.

Zhang Yue immediately summoned Su Zhe, Han Zhongyan, and Cai Jing to his residence. In addition, there was another person who was unrelated to the matter but was Zhang Yue's confidant, Chen Guan.

Su Zhe readily admitted it, and he instructed his subordinates to issue a document making things difficult for Lü Huiqing.

"Lu Huiqing! This man once rose to power through cunning and flattery, attaching himself to Wang Anshi and holding a high position in government. He assisted in addressing the abuses of the new laws, and his crimes are heinous! When he was in charge of reviewing documents in the Three Departments, he used clever words and flattering manners to bewitch the late emperor; when he held the position of Vice Chancellor, he further implemented harsh laws and cruel policies such as the Hand-Pulled Law, exploiting the people and causing widespread resentment!"

"Their laws on green seedlings and market transactions, though ostensibly beneficial to the country, actually harm the people, causing ordinary citizens to be displaced and their resentment to rise to the heavens! Now that Cai Chizheng has passed away, how can Lü Huiqing remain unscathed?"

"Lü Huiqing ostracizes dissidents and frames loyal officials! Back then, Zhang Gong and Feng Jing were both dismissed because of his framing. The suppression of free speech during the late emperor's reign was all his fault. His family members, relying on their power, run rampant in the countryside..."

Zhang Yue said, "I've heard that Lü Jifu was very strict with his children, or perhaps the local officials exaggerated that."

Zhang Yue thought to himself, "A joke. People like Cai Que, Lü Huiqing, and Zhang Dun all know they have offended many people, so they usually restrain their children and grandchildren from making mistakes, lest they give others something to criticize."

Although Zhang Yue and Lü Huiqing both liked to appoint relatives and friends, they would definitely exercise restraint because their own power base was too shallow and they were afraid that improper recommendations would implicate them.

Even when Zhang Yue first became an official, he intended to remain a lone minister.

A loyal minister is someone who follows only one person and has no one else.

Born into a poor family, he feared being implicated, so he avoided forming factions. For the emperor, only loyal ministers were trustworthy.

Seeing that Zhang Yue intended to protect Lü Huiqing, Su Zhe immediately stopped arguing.

Han Zhongyan then said, "Minister of Works, it is the late emperor's last wish to reclaim the former territories of the Han and Tang dynasties. The late emperor entrusted this matter to you in his dying words, which is known throughout the court."

"But I heard that Lü Huiqing said in Hedong that if the Minister of Works was not in the capital at the time, then the person entrusted to him by the late emperor on his deathbed was him."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue thought to himself, "This is the kind of person Lü Huiqing is. Even without me, would the late emperor have entrusted his affairs to you?"

During the Yuanfeng era, the late emperor already had a very poor impression of Lü Huiqing.

Zhang Yue had heard about this from others, but said, "This is just hearsay and may not be true."

Zhang Yue said this, but he couldn't help but recall that Lü Huiqing considered him a rival. During the Xining era, the late emperor wanted to choose between him and Lü Huiqing to succeed Wang Anshi as prime minister and continue the reforms.

Later, Lü Huiqing took the lead and became prime minister before Zhang Yue, but Zhang Yue had the last laugh.

However, he showed no mercy to his former rivals in the political struggle.

When the late emperor was alive, I had to give you some face, but now... I hold great power.

Seeing Zhang Yue's expression, Cai Jing, who had originally planned to back down, turned around and said, "Lu Jifu actually said such things in Hedong. Does he think he can do anything but talk about me?"

Cai Jing was adept at discerning Zhang Yue's thoughts and understanding his unspoken concerns.

He was best at acting on rumors and keeping up with the latest developments in officialdom.

"Your Excellency, I have another thought. If the court recovers the former territories of the Han and Tang dynasties, wouldn't Lü Jifu also become a meritorious official? How should he be rewarded then?"

Even Chen Guan was moved by Cai Jing's words.

Han Zhongyan said, "Prime Minister, I was involved in the impeachment of Lü Huiqing."

"The reason is simple: the Prime Minister's immense achievements must not be touched by anyone else."

"This is a consideration from the perspective of the bigger picture!"

Zhang Yue glanced at Han Zhongyan; this wasn't the first or second time the man had made decisions behind his back. Of course, Han Zhongyan also considered the interests of the entire Zhang faction when making decisions.

Zhang Yue said nothing and returned to his study, where he learned that Lü Huiqing had sent a letter.

In the letter, Lü Huiqing pleaded with Zhang Yue to show mercy, suggesting that he could be dismissed from his post after the Tanguts were wiped out. Lü Huiqing reiterated in the letter his willingness to serve Zhang Yue diligently and without reservation.

After reading the letter, Zhang Yue sighed deeply. Lü Huiqing was a proud and arrogant person, and this was the first time in so many years that she had lowered her head and written him a letter in a humble manner.

He immediately wrote a letter to Lü Huiqing, summoning him to the capital to assume his post.

……

Upon receiving the letter, Lü Huiqing immediately set off for the capital.

When Lü Huiqing saw Bianjing, the city he had longed for, again, he was filled with emotion.

From triumph to despair, from being highly sought after to being left idle, then being revived, and then to being avoided by everyone for an unknown period of time.

When Lü Huiqing came to the capital this time, none of the officials dared to pay him a visit.

Judging by his age, Lü Huiqing still has a long way to go, but in terms of his official career, it may come to an end at any time.

Upon arriving at the Zhang residence, Zhang Yue personally greeted Lü Huiqing.

The two hadn't seen each other for years and both sighed with regret.

Zhang Yue said, "These years have been tough for you, Ji Fu. You've been stationed in Hedong, with the Dangxiang to the west and the Liao Kingdom to the east. Maintaining this situation to this day has not been easy."

Upon hearing Zhang Yue's words, Lü Huiqing's eyes reddened slightly as he said, "To receive such words from the Prime Minister, I, Lü, will die without regret."

Now that Zhang Yue wields immense power, Lü Huiqing speaks with unprecedented respect and courtesy.

Seeing Lü Huiqing like this, Zhang Yue felt both relieved to have vented his old grievances and sorry for Lü Huiqing's current situation.