Prime Minister

Chapter 1363 The Submission of the Charter

Chapter 1363 The Submission of the Charter

On the same day that news of the great victory at Lingzhou arrived, Sima Guang also died of illness, with only an hour separating the two deaths.

At this time, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were in the Wuying Hall inquiring about the details of the great victory at Lingzhou from Zhang Yue.

Outside the hall, cicadas chirped noisily, while inside, the ice-cold mirror exuded a slight coolness.

When the attendant bowed and presented Sima Guang's last testament.

"Even on his deathbed, Prime Minister Sima advised against military action, his words earnest and sincere. After reading it to the Empress Dowager from behind the curtain, he said, 'But why did he not understand the opportune moment, the favorable location, and the support of the people? It is truly a pity.'"

The Emperor also asked, "What does the Attendant-in-Ordinary think of Chancellor Sima?"

Zhang Yue, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, sat before the imperial steps. Recalling the scene of working with Sima Guang more than twenty years ago, he immediately said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have known Sima Guang for decades and found him to be down-to-earth, like an ancient pine and a strong bamboo."

The Emperor said, “Cheng Shijiang once told me that among the many people I have met, there are three who are not mixed up: Zhang Zai, Shao Yong, and Sima Guang.”

Zhang Yue said, "As for the matter of Sima Xianggong's last testament, I couldn't help but write it with resentment upon seeing it, as my prejudice is deeply rooted. However, his teachings are based on sincerity and humility, which are quite admirable."

"When Emperor Renzong had not yet established a crown prince, it was Sima Guang who submitted three memorials to the court, requesting that Emperor Renzong select a member of the imperial clan to enter the palace and temporarily act as the heir apparent."

A sudden gust of wind blew outside the hall, and the eaves bells rang clearly.

In the sweltering summer heat, Zhang Yue reminisced about Sima Guang's words and actions, and then spoke.

"Sima Guang contributed greatly to Emperor Yingzong's ascension to the throne. His work, Zizhi Tongjian, is a legacy that will ensure the late emperor's lasting fame."

The emperor slowly nodded.

It was Sima Guang's help in supporting Zhang Yue to ascend the throne that led to this favor, a debt Zhang Yue would never forget.

Therefore, it's necessary to point this out in front of the emperor, which is also for one's own benefit. An emperor must never forget those who helped him ascend the throne; otherwise, who would dare risk their life in the future?

At the same time, the historical status of the book "Zizhi Tongjian" is self-evident.

The Emperor gazed at Zhang Yue and said softly, "I remember this kindness." Suddenly, his tone shifted, "If I had listened to him and abandoned Lingzhou..."

The emperor still harbored resentment in the end.

Zhang Yue saw the sharp glint in the young emperor's eyes, just like when the late emperor asked him in the Yanhe Hall, "How many years will it take to destroy Xia?"

That's how it is.

If this attack on Lingzhou fails, Zhang Yue will have to deal with the old party severely to consolidate his position.

Now that Lingzhou has been captured, one's prestige is beyond measure, so one should show leniency and continue to move in the direction of bridging the factional strife.

Zhang Yue asked, "May I ask Your Majesty a question? If Yuan Shao had won the Battle of Guandu, how would he have dealt with Tian Feng?"

The Emperor has recently been studying history, and Guo Lin has long been a storyteller in the Chongzheng Hall, recounting history to the Emperor on a daily basis.

The emperor liked to read the Romance of the Three Kingdoms because it was the most popular story in folk tales and there were many plays based on it in theaters.

Zhang Yue then brought up the historical event of Yuan Shao killing Tian Feng.

At that time, the internal factional struggles within Yuan Shao were also very complex. Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and Xu You were among the earliest trusted followers of Yuan Shao to enter Hebei. Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and Shen Pei were from prominent local families in Hebei and were recruited by Yuan Shao after entering Hebei.

Yuan Shao controlled four provinces in Hebei and defeated Gongsun Zan, all thanks to the support of the Hebei faction.

During the Battle of Guandu, the local faction, represented by Tian Feng and Ju Shou, opposed a decisive battle with Cao Cao, believing it was too hasty and the chances of victory were slim.

Guo Tu, Feng Ji, and other close associates supported Yuan Shao's proposals. Besides military considerations, Yuan Shao also had significant political motivations.

At that time, Ju Shou was in charge of both internal and external affairs and commanded great power in the army, which aroused Yuan Shao's concern. Therefore, before the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao divided Ju Shou's military power into three parts, assigning Guo Tu, Chunyu Qiong, and Ju Shou to each command an army.

This was intended to weaken the power of the Hebei faction.

One can imagine that Tian Feng and Ju Shou of the Hebei faction would certainly disapprove of people like Guo Tu and Feng Ji who only knew how to pander to Yuan Shao.

Just as Sima Guang viewed Wang Anshi and Lü Huiqing back then.

Spanning a thousand years, we share the same stance, but the outcome cannot be judged in the same way.

In the Wuying Hall, Zhang Yue sat on a chair and chatted amiably with the Emperor, while the Empress Dowager, exhausted, went to rest first.

The Empress Dowager was not interested in such important military and national affairs, and even the recapture of Lingzhou only brought her temporary joy. However, with the Emperor's growing interest in participating in politics, he was even more ambitious after conquering Lingzhou.

He ordered the eunuchs to move the throne down the steps, and he spoke almost side by side with Zhang Yue.

The eunuchs still remembered that when Zhang Yue first conquered Qing Tang, the late emperor had sat and discussed philosophy with Zhang Yue at Xuande Gate in the same way.

Today, the Emperor is lenient and treats Zhang Yue with the respect due to a teacher, regarding him as a strategist. Just moments ago, he still observed the proper distinction between ruler and subject in front of the Empress Dowager, but now things are different.

The eunuchs, led by Song Yongchen, turned a blind eye to it.

The emperor immediately ordered Song Yongchen and others to color in the Shaanxi map displayed in the Wuying Hall.

As Zhang Yue watched this scene, he remembered that this was the late emperor's favorite thing when he was alive, but the current emperor was young, and he did not seem to be the kind of person who did everything personally.

Therefore, the task of coloring was entrusted to the eunuchs.

Zhang Yue focused his gaze on the map, and saw that Song Yongchen had already picked up a vermilion brush and started to mark the area of ​​Weizhou, which was located above Huanqing Road and Jingyuan Road.

The emperor glanced at it and was very pleased, but he already knew to suppress his joy in front of Zhang Yue, unlike the late emperor who would have shown his delight to Zhang Yue in private.

The new emperor is more silent and reserved than his predecessor.

Inside the Wuying Hall, the air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood. The Emperor moved his throne closer and asked, "Just now, you used Tian Feng as a metaphor for Sima Yi. I've thought about it carefully. If Yuan Shao had won the Battle of Guandu, Guo Tu and Tian Feng might have turned the tide of battle."

The eunuch served tea and snacks to Zhang Yue, who said, "I do indeed have this intention."

"Imagine if Yuan Shao had won the Battle of Guandu; the assessments of Guo Tu, Tian Feng, and Ju Shou as loyal or treacherous would likely have been reversed."

"The victor is king, the loser is villain; this has always been the case."

The emperor realized that if Yuan Shao won the Battle of Guandu, then Guo Tu, who advised Yuan Shao to send troops, and Tian Feng and Ju Shou, who opposed Yuan Shao, would receive different treatment.

The emperor suddenly leaned forward and asked, "Then, Minister Zhang, what is meant by a loyal minister and a treacherous minister?"

"If I were Yuan Shao, would I listen to Guo Tu or Tian Feng and Ju Shou?"

Zhang Yue said, "Your Majesty, I would like to tell you a story about a fisherman and a woodcutter. One day, a fisherman and a woodcutter met in the mountains and forests."

The woodcutter asked the fisherman, "Can I catch a fish?"

The fisherman replied, "Yes."

"Can the hook be used instead of bait?"

"No."

The woodcutter asked, "Fishing is not done with a hook, but with bait. How can it be that fish benefit from eating fish but are harmed, while people benefit from eating fish? Why is it that the benefits are the same, but the harms are different?"

The fisherman said to the woodcutter, “You only see that I benefit from eating fish, and that the fish are harmed by eating them, but you don’t see that I am harmed by eating fish, and that the fish benefit from eating them.”

"What do you mean by that, woodcutter?"

The fisherman said, “You only know that fish benefit from having food all day long, but how do you know that it is harmful for fish not to have food all day long? I fish here all day long to catch fish, and if I don’t catch any fish, I suffer the loss of fish.”

"If fish do not eat all day, they will starve to death. If fish do seek food, they may lose their lives to the bait."

"Your Majesty, how do you distinguish between food and bait? Should those who urge the fish to eat be considered loyal ministers, while those who urge the fish to look at the bait be considered treacherous ministers?"

The emperor nodded thoughtfully.

Zhang Yue's conversation with the emperor lasted only a short moment, but Song Yongchen had already painted Weizhou with the fiery red of the Song Dynasty.

Now we head north to Tushun Prefecture. This is after passing Weijing Mountain, and we have reached the Yellow River. We are less than two hundred li away from Xingqing Prefecture.

As Zhang Yue watched Song Yongchen coloring, he thought to himself that all his life's work had ultimately turned into color blocks on a map.

Looking at him, Zhang Yue sighed, "Your Majesty, to accomplish the affairs of the monarch and the world, and to win fame before and after death, this is my lifelong wish."

"Now that Lingzhou has fallen, it is time for me to retire after achieving my goal."

The Emperor said, "How could you say such a thing? You must never say such a thing again."

Zhang Yue is now also worried. The higher one's position and the greater one's fame, the more likely one is to bring disaster upon oneself. Therefore, he must be cautious and tread carefully.

When you reach this position, you have to be a little fake and act in front of the emperor as if you can hand over power at any time.

Never wait until things are beyond repair to say this, because then it will be too late.

Zhang Yue repeatedly declined, but the Emperor quickly changed the subject, saying, "What did you mean by what you just said?"

Zhang Yue rearranged the word order and said, "Your Majesty, this is what I have learned from reading Mr. Anle (Shao Yong)'s dialogue between fishermen and woodcutters."

"In the end, it all boils down to one sentence: benefit arises from harm."

"What is beneficial must also be harmful, and what is harmful... may not necessarily be beneficial."

The emperor nodded slowly. He had heard of Shao Yong before. He was highly regarded by both Cheng Yi and Sima Guang. Cheng Yi had previously said that he had met people in the world who were not mixed with other people's talents. Besides Sima Guang, there was also Shao Yong.

However, the emperor was inevitably somewhat prejudiced. He disliked Sima Guang, and this prejudice extended to his friends as well.

Zhang Yue said, "The ministers are all fulfilling their responsibilities by offering their advice. Throughout history, only wise rulers can discern the advantages and disadvantages, while mediocre rulers prefer to argue about right and wrong."

"When the late emperor was alive, Sima Guang opposed the reforms, while Wang Anshi strongly advocated the new policies; both were loyal ministers."

"One should not easily shift the blame to subordinates."

The Emperor said, “This makes sense. This Shao Yong is highly praised and is a great Confucian scholar. I think what he said is indeed reasonable.”

Suddenly, the sound of cicadas broke the silence outside the hall.

The emperor looked at Shunzhou, which had been painted vermilion, and suddenly said, "Therefore, I should..."

Zhang Yue said, "Your Majesty is wise. In my opinion, from Yuan Shao to today, the struggle between Legalism and Confucianism in every dynasty is, to put it bluntly, a struggle between the emperor and the scholar-officials."

"Your Majesty, I believe that the crisis of factional struggles in all dynasties lies in the choice between Legalists and Confucians, that is, the struggle between reform and non-reform."

"But the solution to this problem throughout history has never been either of these two."

The emperor, both anxious and surprised, asked, "What brilliant idea do you have, sir?"

The harm caused by thousands of years of factional strife can be resolved with just a few words from Zhang Yue.

Is there really such a way?

Zhang Yue said, "Your Majesty, it lies in the words 'the world, the nation, and the people.'"

The emperor asked, "The world is a nation and its people!"

Zhang Yue said, "Your Majesty, whether it is Confucianism or Legalism, these are all ways of the mind, focusing on the essence rather than the application."

"Only by applying the Way of the Mind to the world, families, and nation can one truly understand the essence and apply it effectively."

This is the theory of substance and function that Song Dynasty Confucian scholars debated for their entire lives.

The emperor asked, "Do you mean whichever is better, we should use that one?"

Zhang Yue said, "We must adapt to the times. The country must continue to forge ahead, whether in civil or military matters, and must not be complacent."

The Emperor asked, "I understand. This is actually the principle of 'utmost refinement and unity' that Minister Zhang often spoke to me about during his lectures."

"In matters concerning the nation and its people, one must either focus on the essentials or choose one aspect. But I ask, if one must choose one, then what is the best course of action?"

Zhang Yue thought for a moment, and at this time Song Yongchen had already begun to paint Lingzhou.

This was also the last of the three Tangut states captured in this operation.

As the crimson hue of the Song Dynasty gradually occupied most of the map, Zhang Yue felt a surge of emotions.

The painting I saw during the Xining era had only a trace of vermilion left.

Zhang Yue slowly looked at the map, from Gongzhou (originally Guwei Village, later called Tongyuan Army, and finally upgraded to a prefecture), then to Huizhou, Xizhou, Hezhou, Minzhou, Taozhou, then to Huangzhou, Kuozhou, Xiningzhou, Lanzhou, Jishi Army, Xi'an Army, Huaide Army, Liangzhou, and now Weizhou and Shunzhou on the map, as well as Lingzhou which Song Yongchen was painting.

For more than 20 years, the color blocks have been painted over state by state.

This map will be rolled up soon!

New image added.

"Zhang Qing."

Zhang Yue was somewhat lost in thought.

“Your Majesty,” Zhang Yue said, recalling the Emperor’s words, “If you really have to choose one…”

"I don't know either. I like the Records of the Grand Historian the most. In the Chronological Table of the Twelve Lords in the Records of the Grand Historian, Sima Qian recorded the major events that followed, starting with the first year of the Republic."

"At that time, King Li of Zhou was in disarray, and Duke Shao and Duke Zhou jointly ruled for fourteen years! I believe that to govern the world, the ruler and his ministers should govern together."

The emperor nodded slowly and said, "That's right. Even the emperor is not a wise and insightful sage who can govern the world alone."

"Your loyalty is evident in every word you utter; I have gained much from this."

At this point, the emperor and his ministers exchanged knowing smiles and all looked at the map that was slowly being drawn up in the Wuying Hall.

The emperor suddenly said with emotion, "If the late emperor were here, how wonderful it would be to see this scene!"

Zhang Yue was moved upon hearing this: "Your Majesty's filial piety will surely be known to the late Emperor in the heavens."

The emperor rose and said, "I shall inform our ancestors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple!"

Just then, cicadas suddenly began to chirp outside the palace, and several guards were using nets to catch them.

Zhang Yue laughed and said, "The matter of the Imperial Ancestral Temple can be postponed for now. I have heard that Your Majesty enjoyed catching cicadas when you were young."

The emperor nodded and said, "When I was young, I was scolded by my father and thought that this was not the way a ruler should behave."

“Mr. Cheng also disliked it. One day, I broke off a willow branch, and Mr. Cheng said, ‘It is springtime and should not be broken without reason.’”

"I am greatly displeased."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue burst into laughter. Cheng Yi's affair had been a laughing stock for a thousand years. Zhang Yue always felt that this emperor in history had a somewhat gloomy personality, mostly due to the pressure exerted by Cheng Yi and his ilk.

This emperor also had a complaint: "I only see his back and buttocks."

He said that when the ministers presented their reports, they only faced Empress Dowager Gao, and he could only see their backs and buttocks, without even seeing their faces clearly.

Zhang Yue said, "I have heard about it. This is Mr. Cheng's business, and I dare not interfere."

"However, with today's great victory at Lingzhou, Your Majesty can now pursue your ambitions."

The emperor was taken aback; Zhang Yue seemed to have seen through his childlike heart beneath his feigned maturity.

The emperor was still somewhat hesitant.

Zhang Yue said, "I have a poem: 'The affairs of the world are the heart of a young man, clearly and deeply etched in his dreams.'"

"Your Majesty, as a ruler, should begin in your youth."

"A young mind can comprehend the affairs of the world."

The emperor nodded slowly.

Zhang Yue nodded slowly and smiled, thinking to the Emperor, "Take advantage of today's great victory and have some fun!"

Zhang Yue said to Song Yongchen and the others, "Don't tell Mr. Cheng."

Song Yongchen agreed with a smile.

The morning light slowly fell on the steps of the Wuying Hall, illuminating the map.

The emperor suddenly said, "My lord, this thousand-year-old factional strife is just like the guards outside the palace chasing cicadas—some hold nets, some hold poles, but they all forget that the sound of cicadas is a natural scene of midsummer."

Zhang Yue nodded.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to hold the net!"

Zhang Yue smiled and rolled up his sleeves.

The eunuchs watched with amusement as the emperor and Zhang Yue caught cicadas.

……

The scent of ink from the Hanlin Academy had not yet dissipated when Su Zhe pushed open the door, bringing in a gust of wind that made the draft of "Ode to the Great Victory at Lingzhou" on the desk rustle.

Su Zhe pushed open the door and entered, saying, "Brother, shall we first go to Prime Minister Sima's residence to offer our condolences, or shall we first congratulate His Majesty on his great victory at Lingzhou?"

"Naturally, it's He Jie."

Su Zhe nodded upon hearing this, saying, "That's exactly right."

The two walked on the street, and heard the long tolling of the bell on the Xuande Gate tower.

Suddenly, a chorus of greetings and salutations came from behind him. Su Shi turned around and saw officials dressed in formal attire surging towards him on Zhuque Avenue.

The jade belt buckle of the Right Chancellor Lü Gongzhu jingled, the ivory tablet of the Minister of Revenue Zeng Bu gleamed warmly in the morning light, and even the usually dignified Fan Chunren and Fan Bailu walked with unusually light steps.

"Zizhan!" Wang Shen waved from afar.

Su Shi smiled, but then saw Su Zhe being swept forward by the crowd.

Huang Tingjian, an official from the Ministry of Rites, smiled and said, "The Ministry of Rites has already composed a new piece called 'Breaking the Enemy's Formation.'"

"It comes in handy just in time."

The golden studs on the palace gates reflected the rising sun, and the scale-patterned armor of the imperial guards gleamed dazzlingly. The two brothers then saw the vermilion ceremonial gates wide open, and the chief eunuch on duty, holding a whisk, announced: "By imperial decree, all officials may rest today to celebrate the victory—"

"The newly presented brocade flowers are available for everyone to take!"

The eunuchs presented a brocade platter, and the officials smiled as they tucked flowers into their headdresses. Everyone was beaming with joy, and they encountered officials dressed in auspicious robes who had come to the palace to offer their congratulations.

Su Shi and Su Zhe bowed to each of them in turn.

The two brothers walked side by side.

"The Liao army of a million is marching south. Your Majesty would not wish to make a great show of it!" Su Zhe said.

Su Shi said, "That is indeed the case."

Su Shi suddenly asked, "Ziyou, do you still remember the poem 'Prelude to Water Melody'?"

Su Zhe said, "I remember."

Su Shi said, "I thought today that when people look up at the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, they can temporarily put aside all the troubles of the world."

He paused, gazing at the eaves of the palace, "Duke Wei's painstaking efforts to quell the factional strife in the court are no different in principle."

Su Zhe seemed to be deep in thought: "What does my elder brother mean?"

Su Shi withdrew his gaze and affirmed, "People should look up, not look down."

Su Zhe broke off a branch from a paulownia tree on the palace road and handed it to Su Shi, asking, "If Prime Minister Sima were still alive, what would he think upon hearing of the great victory at Lingzhou?"

Su Shi smiled but said nothing, and changed the subject.

“You previously mentioned that when you were an envoy to the Liao Kingdom, you encountered a very fierce Jurchen named Wanyan Aguda… Tell me more about him in detail.”

……

Emperor Yelü Hongji of the Liao Dynasty stationed his horse in the suburbs of Nanjing Road.

The north wind whipped up his dark cloak, and behind him, the banners of the Pishi Army fluttered like surging ink clouds.

The Liao Dynasty had a million iron cavalrymen stationed on the border, their bows and swords gleaming in the sun, ready to take advantage of the fierce battle between the Song and Xia dynasties at Lingzhou to march south.

Suddenly, a rider galloped towards them, falling from his horse with his face covered in dust: "Your Majesty, Lingzhou City has fallen!"

"Song general Zhang Jie used gunpowder to destroy the city walls, resulting in the loss of more than half of the main force of the Dangxiang people. Shunzhou and Weizhou fell one after another, and Li Bingchang has retreated to Xingqing Prefecture!"

Yelü Hongji tightened his grip on the whip, the rhinoceros horn whip cracking in his palm. His hawk-like eyes swept across the southern horizon, as if trying to pierce through the dust and smoke to see his rival who held the reins of the Song court, and he sighed deeply.

"Lingzhou has fallen, the Dangxiang will surely be destroyed."

"Zhang Duzhi was a true hero, first pacifying the Western Xia and then defending the northern frontier!"

The civil and military officials fell silent, their warhorses pawing nervously.

"The Song people's firearms were fierce; the Song army under Peng Sun blew up the city walls like rotten wood. Now Zhang Jie is stationed in Lingzhou, and Zhang Yue has mobilized the auxiliary troops from the three towns to garrison Daming Prefecture..."

Thinking of this, Yelü Hongji sighed deeply.

……

The following day, after all the officials celebrated the victory, the emperor made a public announcement at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The morning bell shattered the tranquility of Bianjing in the early morning.

The young emperor wore a twelve-chapter imperial robe, the sun, moon, and star patterns on his black and crimson robes swaying with his steps.

The official in charge of ceremonies held aloft the victory report from Lingzhou, while Zhang Yue led the civil and military officials to stand on both sides of the red steps, with the celebratory red silk fluttering high in the wind.

The vermilion gates of the Imperial Ancestral Temple were wide open, and the aroma of sacrificial animals and wine mingled with the crisp scent of pine and cypress trees.

The emperor's hand holding the jade tablet trembled slightly—this was the first time since the reign of Emperor Zhenzong that Lingzhou had been recovered, and it was also the fulfillment of the late emperor's last wish.

As Han Zhongyan read the congratulatory message, his voice unusually undulating: "...On the day Zhang Jie breached the city, the corpses of the Tangut iron hawks lay scattered for miles, and Li Bingchang fled to Xingqing in the dead of night..."

On either side of the Danchi (a type of imperial platform), Zhang Yue stood at the head of all the officials, the wind whipping red silk ribbons across his turban.

Zhang Yue stared at the emperor, looking at the ancestral tablet of Emperor Shenzong in the temple.

"...Thanks to the divine power of our ancestors and the bravery of our soldiers, we have now recovered the lost land of Lingwu and wiped away the shame of Haoshuichuan..."

He glanced sideways and saw the complex expressions on the faces of the old party officials among the hundred officials—they had openly and secretly opposed the use of force, just like Sima Guang, but now they saw the emperor presenting the victory report to the ancestral altar.

Sima Guang's advice against "exhausting the people with military might" still resonates in my ears.

Zhang Yue caught a glimpse of Cai Jing secretly wiping his eyes, while Su Shi, in his capacity as a Hanlin Academician, said: "With Lingzhou recovered and the western border forever at peace, this is a testament to Your Majesty's sagacious virtue matching Heaven's will, and also the fulfillment of the late Emperor's will!"

Before the words were finished, the ritual music suddenly began, and amidst the sounds of chime bells, drums, and other instruments, the emperor threw the prayer text into the incense burner.

The moment the flames soared into the sky, Zhang Yue's gaze turned solemn, as if he could see soldiers bathed in blood atop the walls of Lingzhou City.

The blazing red flag of the Great Song Dynasty was planted on the city walls of Lingzhou and atop the Helan Mountains!

As the smoke rose, it was as if the good news had soared to the heavens, reaching Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong, and Emperor Zhenzong, comforting their spirits in heaven.

Zhang Yue had read a statistic that showed the Song Dynasty had the highest per capita grain possession among all Chinese dynasties, reaching 1,400 jin, even far exceeding that of the later Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The country may not have been powerful enough, but its people were certainly among the wealthiest in history.

……

At the same time, Zhang Yue thought to himself that after Sima Guang's death, the position of Vice Minister of the Chancellery was vacant. With the great victory at Lingzhou, the time was ripe for personnel adjustments in the court.

The capture of Lingzhou was not merely a matter of gaining or losing a single city or region, but also powerful proof of Zhang Yue's strategy for attacking the Dangxiang.

Previously, although he controlled the Privy Council, he did not touch the positions of the three provincial councilors in order to maintain stability.

His sudden dismissal of officials after becoming the chief minister caused widespread concern among the officials, who feared it could easily incite factional strife and provoke conflict with figures like Lü Gongzhu.

He wanted to wait until the victory at Lingzhou was realized before making personnel adjustments, as this was the best time to implement new policies.

At the same time, the system for selecting officials also needs to be changed.

Su Song, Huang Lü, Shen Kuo, Zeng Bu, Cai Jing, and Cai Bian were all prime ministers whom he believed were capable of undertaking great responsibilities.

After reporting to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Zhang Yue said to Han Zhongyan, "I want you and Yuan Du to be in charge of the matter of the late emperor's veritable records!"

Han Zhongyan was taken aback. He had hoped that this great victory in Lingzhou would give him a chance to enter the central government.

However, Zhang Yue asked him to revise the Veritable Records of the Late Emperor today so that he could temporarily put aside this matter.

Han Zhongyan glanced at Zhang Yue, then clasped his hands in a salute.

Seeing his displeasure, Zhang Yue said gently, "Master, do not be impatient. The merits and demerits of the reforms are related to our posthumous reputations. Only by entrusting this matter to you can I feel at ease. I hope you will do it wholeheartedly."

That's right, this version of the Veritable Records of Emperor Shenzong was revised five times in history.

First came the version written by Sima Guang and Lü Gong, then came the version by Zhang Dun, Emperor Huizong of Song revised it twice, and it was revised again in the Southern Song Dynasty.

After several revisions,

Zhang Yue commissioned Han Zhongyan and Cai Bian to revise the Veritable Records in the hope that the two would be more objective and fair, so as not to cause controversy in later generations.

Han Zhongyan said, "Since the Grand Chancellor has made the decision, I will comply."

Seeing Han Zhongyan's expression, Zhang Yue thought to himself, "You're unhappy because you didn't get a turn to get fruit in line."

However, to be fair, the other party did contribute a great deal to my rise to power, but the effort was too great and went beyond my control.

Han Zhongyan remained silent for a moment, but finally could not hide the frustration in his heart. He took a few steps in a huff, but then suddenly stopped, turned around and said, "No, you will have to drink three cups of wine as punishment another day!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue couldn't help but chuckle.

After Han Zhongyan left, Zhang Yue looked at Lü Gongzhu.

Lü Gongzhu spoke first: "Greetings, Attendant!"

Zhang Yue smiled slightly: "Lord Lü, your arrival is timely. I have something to discuss with you."

The two found a tavern near the Daxiangguo Temple and the Bian River and sat down. Outside the window, the noise of people was deafening; the people were still cheering for the great victory at Lingzhou.

The people in the streets spread the news, and children waved colorful paper flags, playing and running through the crowd, shouting: "The Song army has won a great victory! The Tanguts have been defeated!"

Firecrackers had been lit in the street, and the crackling sounds and cheers filled the air.

In the tavern, a storyteller was recounting the heroic deeds of Mingsha City and Zhang Jie's siege of Lingzhou, drawing cheers from the audience.

Zhang Yue and Lü Gongzhu saw an old man tremblingly raise his wine bowl, tears welling in his eyes: "The spirit of the late emperor in heaven can finally be comforted!" Many merchants had already begun to plan their business after the defeat of the Dangxiang, their laughter mingled with the crisp sound of copper coins clinking.

Zhang Yue smiled upon seeing this, while Lü Gongzhu watched the scene with a somewhat disinterested expression.

Now that Sima Guang, the Vice Minister of the Chancellery, has passed away, and the position of Vice Minister of the Secretariat has remained vacant since Zhang Zhi and Han Wei left office.

After Sima Guangzhang left, Lü Gongzhu knew that his power had long been vacant.

Zhang Yue was probably looking for him about this matter. Taking advantage of the momentum of conquering Lingzhou, Zhang Yue wanted to discuss personnel matters with him.

Zhang Yue cut to the chase: "Lord Lü, this time the positions of Vice Minister of the Chancellery and Vice Minister of the Secretariat are vacant. I would like to appoint... Su Song as Vice Minister of the Chancellery, Shen Kuo as Privy Councilor, Li Qingchen as Vice Minister of the Secretariat, and Huang Lü as Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel..."

"What is Lord Lü's opinion?"

Lu Gongzhu smiled wryly and asked in return, "Regarding the compilation of the Veritable Records of the late Emperor, who does the Attendant-in-Ordinary intend to invite to handle this matter?"

Zhang Yue said thoughtfully, "Han Shipu and Cai Yuandu."

Zhang Yue paused and then smiled, saying, "If Lord Lü is interested, you can take the lead in this matter. I didn't know that Lord Lü valued his posthumous reputation so much."

Lu Gongzhu said: "From the Xining to the Yuanfeng period, a total of nineteen years, the rights and wrongs in between are secondary to our posthumous reputation."

"The most important thing is how future generations view the reforms."

"Now that we have captured Lingzhou, the destruction of the Dangxiang is just around the corner, proving that the path the late emperor entrusted to the Chamberlain was correct. But were Junshi and I wrong?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yue remained silent for a moment before saying, "It's hard to say until the very last moment."

"The Liao army of 300,000 has already marched south."

Lu Gongzhu said, "Yes, the Liao army of 300,000 has marched south, claiming to be a million! The Liao emperor is personally leading the expedition!"

"For the sake of Lingzhou, the Song and Liao dynasties will have to engage in a major battle in Hebei this time."

As Zhang Yue and Lü Gongzhu were talking, they suddenly slammed their hands on the wine table next to them.

A scholar raised his cup and said, "A war that destroys a nation is the beginning of a golden age!"

The scholars then celebrated.

Upon seeing this, Lü Gongzhu stood up and said, "Your Excellency, please drink to your heart's content. I, Lü, will take my leave now."

After Lü Gongzhu left, Zhang Yue opened the window and leaned against the railing to look out.

At this very moment, in front of the Daxiangguo Temple.

The monks burned incense and struck the chime to pray for the fallen soldiers; the people tied colorful ribbons inscribed with their wishes to the ancient locust tree in front of the temple, the red ribbons on the branches like rosy clouds, fluttering in the wind like waves.

At the monument erected by Zhang Yue for the fallen soldiers, the people laid flowers.

The Bian River is filled with lotus lanterns.

……

Zhang Yue quickly made personnel adjustments.

After Sima Guang passed away, Zhang Zhi, Han Wei, and Zhang Zao went away one after another.

Su Song was appointed as the Vice Minister of the Chancellery, Li Qingchen as the Vice Minister of the Secretariat, Huang Lü as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Xu Jiang as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Shen Kuo was appointed Privy Councilor, while An Tao and Lü Dafang were appointed Deputy Privy Councilors.

Li Qingchen has officially joined Zhang Yue's side through Han Zhongyan, thus greatly increasing Zhang Yue's power and giving him an overwhelming advantage.

Officials in the court who had previously observed the struggle between the new and old parties now understood the prevailing trend.

In fact, with the capture of Lingzhou, both the imperial court and the common people supported the path of revitalizing the Song Dynasty.

Lu Gongzhu is now also in charge of compiling the Veritable Records, while he has delegated most of the affairs of the Secretariat to Li Qingchen.

As for the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhang Yue handed them over to Huang Lü and Xu Jiang, his two right-hand men, who also took over the duties of Right Vice Minister from Lü Gongzhu.

As for the officials of the two provinces, they also consciously handed over the official documents to Huang Lü first, so that Xu Jiang and Li Qingchen could review them.

This veteran official, who served three dynasties, displayed a rare magnanimity in the face of power shifts. He would even drink tea and discuss history with Zhang Yue, Huang Lü, and others, as if the political struggles of the past had vanished with the wind.

All the officials in the hall greatly admired Lü Gongzhu.

In fact, when Lü Gongzhu was in the Zhongshu, he treated people with kindness and generosity. He not only had the demeanor of an elder, but also never put on airs in front of officials, nor did he easily punish or reprimand them.

Unlike Zhang Yue, who appears kind on the surface but secretly enjoys manipulating power and prefers to use checks and balances to ensure mutual supervision among subordinates.

Therefore, among the officials, more people favored Lü Gongzhu than Zhang Yue.

Nowadays, Lü Gongzhu mostly stays in charge of the three provinces and does not get involved in specific affairs.

However, Zhang Yue did not get involved in the specific affairs.

Zhang Yue's strength lies in his willingness to delegate authority, but ultimately, he makes the final decisions on both major and minor matters.

Zhang Yue possessed an astonishing ability to judge political affairs. He would instruct someone to do something. At first, the person wouldn't understand his intentions, but after two or three months, they would realize Zhang Yue's original purpose.

The direction Zhang Yue pointed out to them was the key to breaking the deadlock.

Therefore, after Zhang Yue officially took over the affairs of the three provinces, the efficiency of the three provinces was greatly improved.

Just as Zhang Yue's mission to the three provinces was getting on track, Li Bingchang, the ruler of the Tangut state, sent an envoy to Bianjing to present a letter of surrender!

At the same time, it expressed its willingness to cede the three prefectures of Xia, Yin, and You.