Section 3

"After all, it cannot be hidden from the world, Brother Shiyong," Cai Jing said with a smile, yet he fell into a brief silence, his gaze fixed intently on Wang Gu. Wang Gu merely smiled back at Cai Jing, remaining silent. After a while, Cai Jing suddenly smiled and slowly said: "I have heard that the position of the Lantai Ling is vacant, and Lord Junshi has recommended Fan Chunren for the position of the Deputy Minister of Justice..."

However, at this moment, the report that Sima Kang presented to him seemed even more sensational than what he was aware of

Why

"It has been almost a quarter of an hour," Cai Xi bent over, leading the way while softly saying, "Today at noon, I went to the brothel to buy some goods and heard people discussing that something significant has happened in Shaanxi. However, the exact nature of the event remains uncertain. Some say that the Western bandits have returned, others claim it is thieves, and still others suggest it is a military coup. Yet..."

On the following day, Tang Kang and Li Hun mixed the mandrake potion into the tea, incapacitating Gao Zunhui, Tian Liewu, Zhao Long, and several other officials and generals. With Tian Liewu's military token in hand, Li Hun drove all the surrendered thousands of rebel soldiers, tied with ropes, to the banks of the Weishui River, where they were all executed

When the elderly wither away and the virtuous are driven out of the court, to whom should the nation and its people be entrusted? In the court, there must be virtuous gentlemen endowed with both talent and moral integrity to uphold the state and expel the petty individuals! Only in this way can he barely repay the favor of the three emperors' recognition, the trust of the Empress Dowager, and fulfill his responsibilities and conscience as a scholar-official!

Upon returning to the city from a boat ride on the Cai River, Cai Jing personally escorted Xue Yi, Zeng Bu, and Qin Guan back to the inn. After making all the necessary arrangements, it was already close to the hour of You. By this time, the heavy rain had long ceased, and the air in Bianjing after the rain carried a refreshing scent. Cai Jing greedily inhaled a breath of fresh air, boarded the carriage, and instructed to return to the residence

Tian Liewu was momentarily taken aback, a warm smile spreading from his heart to his face. He walked over to Tang Kang, gently patted him on the shoulder, and smiled happily.

"Second Young Master." A familiar voice came from behind. Tang Kang paused for a moment, slowly turned around, and looked at the newcomer, forcing out a faint smile: "Brother Tian."

At almost the same moment, within the residence of Sima Guang in Dong Taishi Alley

Wang Gu said: "Please speak, Yuan Chang."

Xushui Town, Zhengzhou

Yuan Chang! Wang Gu suddenly flushed with anger, stood up abruptly, grabbed the fan placed on the table, and said coldly: "I take my leave." With that, he cupped his hands and was about to take his leave.

"That's all, that's all," Wang Gu said, shaking his hand and laughing, "Even a three-year-old in Bianjing knows that the Xihu Academy has produced three top scholars, yet not a single one has emerged from the first rank. If he were at Baishuitan, there might still be some hope. Shao Bowen has already stated that there is no first rank destiny at Xihu Academy." After saying this, he looked at Cai Jing and laughed, "Yuan Chang must have summoned me for more than just these matchmaking matters, right?"

But he never regrets

Cai Jing could not help but smile bitterly, patting Wang Gu on the shoulder, and said with great innocence: "Do not say that I am not part of the 'Stone Party'; even if I were truly part of the 'Stone Party', Scholar Shi is now unemployed. Have you not heard that when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter? Who would still eagerly place their future in the hands of a fallen person? Scholar Shi has closed his door to guests for several years, and all kinds of factions have dispersed."

What is it?" Cai Jing did not stop his steps, but his brows furrowed.

Let Sima Guang deal with Lü Huaiqing for himself and Shi Yue, making him full of holes, and then come to thank and appreciate himself... As for the Censorate, Cai Jing pondered in his heart, he could never see through Fan Chunjin. This person is intelligent, upright, and extremely gentle, never extreme. Intuitively, he felt that there was no need for him to get involved. Since he needed to sell favors, naturally Sima Guang would be much more useful than Fan Chunjin.

Then... Wang Gu's eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked: "Is Yuan Chang really willing to help me?"

"A gentleman does not fail to see the use, while a petty person can also find a place in between..." Sima Kang softly repeated his father's words, raised his head, and said with emotion: "In my humble opinion, the core issue of the state lies not in Yizhou, but in the capital. As long as Qingfu is alive, the troubles of Lu will not cease"

I, along with Brother Shiyong, share the same birth year and have been old friends. The Cai and Wang families are also related by marriage..." Cai Jing let out a faint sigh, looking at Wang Gu with utmost sincerity, and said: "If it were not for this, I would not want to meddle in these trivial matters. If I offend that 'Qingfu', does it mean my future is not a future? I have also worked hard to enter this Tai Fu Si! Brother Shiyong, you are on such good terms with that Clerk Zhou, do you really think no one knows? If I offend that 'Qingfu', does it mean my future is not a future? I have also worked hard to enter this Tai Fu Si! Brother Shiyong, you are on such good terms with that Clerk Zhou, do you really think no one knows? As for the matters of the Currency Exchange Bureau, as the Deputy Minister of Tai Fu Si, I can only see what is on the surface. What can a mere clerk, who is not even part of the Currency Exchange Bureau, know? By doing this, you not only harm yourself but also implicate others—let me tell you, that Clerk Zhou is about to be transferred to a small border county in Guangnan West Road.

Tang Kang stood beside a pavilion next to Xushui Bridge, gazing up at the starry sky. A black velvet cloak enveloped him, shrouding his entire figure in the darkness of the night.

The gentleman associates with others but does not form factions! Cai Jing laughed and said, "When have I ever claimed that Sima Junshi formed a faction?" He leaned forward, fixed his gaze on Wang Gu, and suddenly cut to the chase, asking with a smile, "Why does Shiyong not inquire about who 'Qingfu' is?" Wang Gu was taken aback, and Cai Jing pressed further, "I said Sima Junshi intends to eliminate 'Qingfu' for the sake of the country; how is it that Shiyong does not suspect even a little about who this 'Qingfu' is? Or do you already know in your heart who 'Qingfu' is?" Cai Jing pressed again, "I said Sima Junshi intends to eliminate 'Qingfu' for the sake of the country; how is it that Shiyong does not suspect even a little about who this 'Qingfu' is? Or do you already know in your heart who 'Qingfu' is?"

Tang Kang is a man whose hands are stained with blood; he has personally executed no fewer than dozens of people in Rongzhou, and the number of those killed under his orders is even in the thousands. However, he has never experienced the feelings he had that day: immense anger, profound hatred, and boundless compassion. This was the first time he truly understood the calamity faced by martial men during the Five Dynasties period, and he never wished to experience it a second time

Tang Kangding fixed his gaze on Tian Liewu

Similarly, those who have not personally experienced that night in Weinan cannot understand why the usually calm and rational Tang Kang would act in such a manner

Wang Gu smiled and returned the gesture, saying: "You and I are old friends, there is no need to discuss such empty formalities"

However, he does not truly disregard his own future. Ever since he became the second son of the Shi family, Tang Kang has been filled with ambition, wholeheartedly wanting to assist Shi Yue in establishing a great career, achieving remarkable feats in history, and leaving a lasting legacy, becoming a renowned minister of his time. At this moment, it all came to an end, and Tang Kang felt unwilling in his heart.

Cai Jing suddenly stopped in his tracks and coldly said, "Do not spread these matters recklessly."

Wang Gu was unexpectedly invited by Cai Jing, who first brought up the marriage between his daughter and Cai Jing's nephew. He laughed and said, "In accordance with your wishes, I will have someone go to find Daoist Li from Yuxiao Temple tomorrow to ask for an auspicious date."

Wang Gu smiled and said: "Yuan Chang has only been in the capital for two months, yet he is quite well-informed."

The closer he got to Bianjing, the more he felt anxious about gains and losses. At one moment, he felt that he could not escape his fate, and when he sought benevolence, he accepted it calmly; at another moment, he still clung to a bit of luck.

I am neither a member of the "Stone Party" nor of the "Old Party". Cai Jing said coldly, "I cannot disregard the greater good of the state; however, I absolutely refuse to involve myself in factional matters. Moreover, the laws of the court should not be violated for the sake of any single issue. According to common practice, if I discover any problems within the Ministry of Revenue, I should report them to the Minister of Revenue, and at most, escalate the matter to the Council of State. If they conceal the issue and do not report it, then I would have grounds to submit a formal complaint for impeachment. Otherwise, how would I place the Minister of Revenue? How would I regard the officials of the Council of State? According to common practice, if I discover any problems within the Ministry of Revenue, I should report them to the Minister of Revenue, and at most, escalate the matter to the Council of State. If they conceal the issue and do not report it, then I would have grounds to submit a formal complaint for impeachment. Otherwise, how would I place the Minister of Revenue? How would I regard the officials of the Council of State? However, if I send the official document to the Council of State, whether Lord Junshi can see it is beyond my anticipation...

That is useless. Cai Jing did not even move his body, picked up the tea and took a sip, and said in a deep voice: "Brother Shiyong wants to overthrow 'Qingfu' in one fell swoop and make a name for himself in the world. However, if you rely on a mere clerk, it is likely to not only disappoint Lord Junshi, but also implicate the entire family..."

Wang Gu stared blankly at Cai Jing for a long time. Only when Cai Jing had spoken to this extent did he finally understand that Cai Jing wanted him to introduce him to Sima Guang

Thank you very much for your support, Brother Shiyong." Cai Jing smiled and clasped his fists in salute, then jokingly said, "My seventh brother is at Xihu Academy, and he is also quite a prominent figure. In the future, I will surely have to return the favor to Brother Shiyong with a top scholar son-in-law.

The gentleman does not fail to see the utility, and the petty person can also find a place among them! The gentleman does not fail to see the utility, and the petty person can also... Sima Guang murmured to himself, uncertain whether his initial choice was right or wrong. Should he adhere to his previous thoughts, believing that gentlemen and petty people cannot coexist, or should he affirm his choices over the years, dedicating himself to upholding the court's governance, willing to work alongside petty individuals for the sake of achieving something meaningful

Cai Jing nodded slightly and casually asked, "How long has Wang Dianyuan been here?" At the same time, he quickened his pace and headed straight towards the library. The term "Dianyuan" is a respectful title used by contemporaries for the court's Supervising Censor, similar to how the Inspector General is referred to as "Chayuan." Since the reform of the official system, the Censorate has been divided into three main institutions, among which the Dianyuan is responsible for supervising the officials of the capital, making it the most powerful institution within the Censorate. This "Wang Dianyuan" is named Wang Gu, courtesy name Shiyong, and he and Cai Jing were both successful candidates in the same imperial examination. He has served as a deputy magistrate twice, known for not shying away from the powerful while in office. In just one year as a Supervising Censor, he has already impeached several powerful figures, and it has become widely known in the capital that there is a principled "Censor Wang."

It was merely a day's journey to Bianjing, yet the closer Tang Kang got to Bianjing, the more he felt a sense of unease. Known for his "resolute and decisive" and "mature beyond his years" demeanor, he now felt as if his mind was a tangled mess. The family members sent back to report to Bianjing had returned, but the message brought by Shi Yue left him perplexed—"To be brave and daring is to kill; to be brave and not daring is to live." What could this mean? Tang Kang knew this was a quote from the "Tao Te Ching," and he couldn't help but recite softly, "To be brave and daring is to kill; to be brave and not daring is to live. These two, whether beneficial or harmful, are what Heaven abhors; who knows the reason? Thus, even the sage finds it difficult. The way of Heaven does not contend yet achieves victory, does not speak yet responds well, does not summon yet comes naturally, is open and plans well. The net of Heaven is vast, loose yet not lost..." It seemed that Shi Yue was trying to teach him something, but Tang Kang could not quite grasp it. "To be brave and daring is to kill; to be brave and not daring is to live..." Tang Kang repeated the words softly, hoping to gain some insight, yet he felt troubled and completely at a loss.

This is merely something they can no longer conceal. However, even if the court is aware, there is no effective solution. Sima Guang's calm tone seemed to perplex even himself a little.

Wang Gu Yilin hesitated in his heart, and his feet did not move forward

The Wei River does not flow for it

In fact, I had already sensed something was amiss in Yizhou last winter and had made some preparations. Upon hearing this, Sima Kang silently calculated in his heart that this was precisely after Sima Guang's three memorials to the emperor had been left unaddressed, and at that time, even he did not know what Sima Guang had written in those memorials. He felt a chill in his heart and then heard his father, filled with helplessness, say: "Yet I am ultimately powerless! The difficulty of the Shu road is harder than ascending to the heavens. Even if we disregard the defenses of the two northern borders and do not count the costs, transporting all the grain and beans to Yizhou would still be futile, as the land route is hindered by the Shu road and the water route is blocked by the Three Gorges; the amount of grain and beans that can be transported in would be merely a drop in the bucket. If we add the transportation costs, it would be enough to double the expenses in the southwest. Moreover, the defenses of the two northern borders are fundamental to the nation and cannot be neglected. Unless there are two or three years' time—yet looking at the current situation..." Since becoming the Minister of Revenue, Sima Guang had been meticulous in improving the nation's finances, resting only two hours a day, exhausting himself to the point of spitting blood several times. This laborious effort was ultimately for the sake of a prosperous and strong nation, but he could never have anticipated that, just as he witnessed a great victory over the Western Xia and the recovery of Lingxia's homeland, when he had just seen the country about to embark on a broad and prosperous path, he would unexpectedly fall into an abyss without bottom. As the most outstanding historian of his time, he understood better than anyone in the country what the current situation of the Yizhou road truly meant!

Tang Kangping calmly wrote a self-criticism memorial, removed his official robes, and, along with Tian Liewu and Li Hun, became a prisoner. At this point, he no longer thought about his future. He only regretted that he had let down Tian Liewu and was also concerned about the impact on Shi Yue

Cai Jing nodded slightly, glanced at him, and then continued walking towards the library, his steps becoming more hurried. The mutiny in Shaanxi and Tang Kang's unauthorized deployment of the imperial army to quell it were matters Cai Jing was already well aware of. Perhaps, at another time, this would be a shocking event for both the court and the public, but now, none of it could be considered a priority. Cai Jing clearly saw that Lü Huaiqing's position in the Council of State was precarious, and he also keenly sensed that the Song Dynasty was surrounded by crises. However, whether Lü Huaiqing fell from power or whether the Song Dynasty faced misfortune was not important; what mattered was that Lü Huaiqing's downfall and the crisis of the Song Dynasty must bring benefits to him, Cai Jing. Cai Jing clearly saw that Lü Huaiqing's position in the Council of State was precarious, and he also keenly sensed that the Song Dynasty was surrounded by crises. However, whether Lü Huaiqing fell from power or whether the Song Dynasty faced misfortune was not important; what mattered was that Lü Huaiqing's downfall and the crisis of the Song Dynasty must bring benefits to him, Cai Jing. Preserving himself and extracting the maximum benefit from the crisis, rather than being crushed into dust by the power struggles at the center, was what Cai Jing needed to focus on the most.

"Puh..." Wang Gu sighed deeply and couldn't help but laugh, saying: "I thought it was something serious. Even if you don't say anything, as long as we obtain the evidence, Lord Sima Junshi will definitely not stand idly by. Sima Junshi is not someone who plays with power and intrigue! If Yuan Chang is willing to lend a hand, it would be a blessing for the country..."

Several people have mentioned that they saw the second son of the Shi family in Xijing. Although he was riding in a carriage, he was dressed in a plain white robe, resembling a prisoner under escort... Some say that Lord Tang committed an offense in Shaanxi...

I..." Tang Kang opened his mouth, uttering a word, but he did not know what to say. Tian Liewu sat down against the pavilion, looked up at the starry sky, remained silent for a while, and then suddenly said softly: "You did the right thing"

"There can be more than one person in the two offices." At this moment, Cai Jing was determined to knock on the door of Wang Gu, showing no signs of yielding. "Brother Shi Yong, if you claim not to know who 'Qing Fu' is, then why have you been so closely involved with a mere ninth-rank clerk from the Tai Fu Temple over the past month?"

However, Cai Jing wore an expression of utmost sincerity on his face, and after letting out a deep sigh, he said: "Brother Shi, forgive me for speaking bluntly, I am indeed the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites, yet you seek that Zhou Clerk, this is truly a case of forsaking the near for the far..." He sighed heavily again, "Alas... it is indeed... it is indeed quite disheartening..."

Brother Tian... Tang Kang was always self-assured in his intelligence, outwardly modest yet inwardly proud. Coupled with his associations with distinguished individuals, he often looked down upon ordinary people and harbored a sense of arrogance that the rules of propriety were not meant for his kind. At this moment, in the face of an uncertain future, upon hearing Tian Liewu's words, he suddenly realized how ridiculous he had been over the past decade or so

However, Tang Kang absolutely cannot bear to see these people continue to live in this world. As soon as he closes his eyes, he recalls the tragic scenes in Weinan. With these people alive, he cannot fathom how the innocent citizens of Weinan, who died tragically, can find peace! He does not understand how the county magistrate of Xian County, who was hung on the city wall and stared wide-eyed at him, can find peace! Moreover, there is a very practical reason: the Tian Liewu troops must still head to Yizhou to quell the rebellion, and for the time being, he does not have many troops to keep an eye on these wolves. However, Tang Kang is very clear in his heart that this is merely a pretext. These people certainly do not have the courage to rebel again.

"I cannot express it clearly," Tian Liewu shook his head and smiled, "Perhaps it is because I understand in my heart that I should not recklessly kill those beasts, yet I am extremely eager to slaughter them all. You have done what I wanted to do but did not dare to do. Perhaps it is because I see you showing such compassion for those innocent people..." He pondered for a long time, as if unsure of how to articulate his thoughts, and after a while, he finally composed himself and said, "There are some things..."

At this point, Cai Jing noticed the changing expressions on Wang Gu's face, realizing that the moment had come. He then stood up, pulled Wang Gu back to his seat, and said earnestly: "Brother Shiyong, in this matter, one must not be anxious; it is essential to remain calm. Even if you are willing to sacrifice your official rank and do not fear demotion, if things go awry, how can you justify the kindness shown to you by Lord Junshi?"

However, Tang Kang was also very aware in his heart that he had caused a tremendous disaster. The unauthorized mobilization of the imperial guards was already a serious crime, not to mention the unauthorized killing of thousands of surrendered rebel soldiers. He still remembered that when Zhang Zong arrived at the banks of the Weishui River, his face was pale, and he was unable to utter a word for a long time. Even someone as audacious and ruthless as Zhang Zong looked at him with a hint of fear in his eyes. On the other hand, Gao Zunhui, Tian Liewu, and Zhao Long showed no particular reaction; Tian Liewu handed the general's seal to Zhao Long, and Li Hun also promptly transferred the command seal to his deputy. The two of them immediately bound themselves, allowing Zhang Zong to escort them to the capital.

Cai Jing looked at him and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. He was well aware of his contemporaries; while he was straightforward, he was not necessarily strong, and he lacked adaptability, being more concerned with reputation than substance. Although he had gained a reputation for "not shying away from the powerful when it came to matters," in reality, it was partly due to his inability to be flexible, which led him to be used as a pawn by others, thus avoiding offending the powerful. Moreover, his fondness for empty fame further burdened him, as he placed great importance on this official position in his heart. Compared to Bao Zheng, this man was indeed far inferior, and Sima Guang's choice of him showed a lack of discernment.

Wang Gu was instantly taken aback

Wang Gu remained calm and composed as she listened, but the smile on her face gradually faded away

The situation in Yizhou has long been a heavy burden on Sima Guang's mind

He stepped forward with a smile and said, "Brother Shi, you have been waiting for a long time."

Cai Jing merely gazed quietly at Wang Gu, not saying a word. However, after a while, seeing that Wang Gu continued to speak at length without understanding his meaning, he could not help but let out a bitter laugh in his heart and finally spoke up: "Brother Shi Yong, according to the court's system, what reason do I have to hand over the evidence to you? When the matter is pursued in the future, can I extricate myself from it? Do you want me to take the lead in submitting a memorial for impeachment?"

Wang Gu, upon hearing this, interjected lightly: "However, Lord Junshi's recommendation of talented individuals is without selfish motives. Sima Gongxiu's talents and knowledge are exceptional, yet he is still merely a secretary in the Ministry of Rites. Moreover, while it is true that those recommended by Lord Junshi include members of the so-called 'old faction,' there are also individuals like Li Dunmin, who belong to the so-called 'Stone faction,' as well as myself, who do not align with either side—otherwise, with the Emperor's brilliance, he would not allow anyone to install their own faction."

"What do you think we should do, Yuan Chang?" Wang Gu grabbed Cai Jing's sleeve. Ever since he heard that Zhou Lu had encountered trouble, he had lost his sense of direction. Coming from a wealthy family, he was not afraid of losing his official position, but being relegated to those remote and pestilential areas was truly terrifying, a fate worse than death.

Still, Brother Shi is carefree and insightful. Cai Jing smiled and invited Wang Gu to sit again, asking someone to change the tea and snacks. He then said with a smile: "In that case, I shall set aside those trivial matters for now. I have come here at the request of my younger brother regarding the marriage between our Seventh Brother and your esteemed daughter. The preliminary invitation has already been auspiciously determined, and I am grateful that you have not rejected it; both families have exchanged the formal invitations. Just as you have been honored with the selection to the Lan Tai, this matter has been delayed. A few days ago, my younger brother sent a letter asking me to inquire about your thoughts. If you agree, we can find an auspicious day for Seventh Brother to come to the capital, and I will oversee the ceremony to formalize the engagement, so that we can settle this matter sooner."

The Song Dynasty will never allow any military rebellion to exist again Standing by the Weishui River, watching as the traitorous soldiers in front of him are shot dead by arrows, and then blood flows like a river, Tang Kang's heart is as cold and hard as a rock

Tian Liewu had never spoken so many profound truths to anyone in his life, but he shared a mentor-mentee relationship with Tang Kang, and their bond was quite strong in the past. He is a person who values emotions and loyalty deeply. Recently, observing Tang Kang's actions and character, he felt that these words were stuck in his throat, and he could not help but express them. However, since their reunion, Tang Kang gave off a friendly and calm demeanor on the surface, yet there was an underlying sense of superiority. Tian Liewu had been unable to find the opportunity to speak up, but now that he finally had the chance to voice everything at once, it felt as if he had unburdened a significant concern. At the same time, he felt a bit anxious—Tang Kang had a sworn brother like Shi Yue; did he really need to be the one to convey such simplistic truths?

In the fourteenth year of the Xining era, a great rebellion broke out among the southwestern tribes. The Song court dispatched troops to suppress it. Within three years, the imperial army suffered repeated defeats, local prefectures fell, and innocent civilians met tragic deaths. Banditry ran rampant, forcing the Song court to increase troop deployments in Yizhou year by year. Along the route, there were troops for suppression, troops for defense, and troops for capturing bandits. By the sixteenth year of Xining, within the territory of the former Chengdu Prefecture, the total number of imperial troops, auxiliary troops, local militia, and tribal soldiers had exceeded 120,000. This vast army had to be divided to guard various locations, defending against the southwestern tribes and bandit incursions, reminiscent of the events in Shaanxi fifty years prior, now reappearing in the present. The region of Shu is difficult to access and transport is arduous, even more so than in Shaanxi.

Cai Xiwen replied promptly, "Yes, I dare not."

This is merely a wild guess from you, Yuan Chang. In a moment, Wang Gu calmed down, glanced sideways at Cai Jing, and said coldly: "What does Lord Jun think, what you, Cai Yuan Chang, say cannot be taken as certain. If there are suspicions that he is forming cliques and excluding dissenters, why doesn't Yuan Chang submit a memorial to impeach him?"

In addition, the use of military forces inevitably requires the conscription of grain and labor. However, the more the common people are conscripted, the more they suffer; the more they suffer, the less they can provide. As the supplies dwindle, the officials become increasingly urgent in their demands, leading the common people to flee or band together as thieves, resulting in greater disorder and an increased need for troops... The various offices in Yizhou either fawned over Lü Jifu or feared his power, concealing the truth in many ways, reporting good news while withholding bad news. Very few reported the facts accurately, and those who did were reprimanded for the incompetence of their superiors—other provinces had no issues, yet only this province had problems; is this not a reflection of your incompetence? Subsequently, these officials were all demoted or even dismissed. If it were not for the sudden and sharp rise in grain prices in Chengdu since March, soaring from one guan per stone to two guan in just a few months, the court would still be kept in the dark!

Mutinies must be punished by death, and even the family members of the perpetrators are often implicated. However, in the history of the Song Dynasty, there are very few instances where all participants in a mutiny involving hundreds of people were executed; typically, only the ringleaders faced capital punishment. Family members were often merely exiled to Lingnan to serve as slaves. In the case of the Weinan mutiny, it is highly likely that the court will grant clemency outside the law.

Tang Kang knew that he had caused a great disaster

In fact, there was not much grain stored in Shu. Shi Yue, governing Shan, conspired to attack Xia and, in order to gather provisions, had previously purchased grain from Shu. It was common for the misappropriation and shortfall of grain from the local granaries to occur. In the fourteenth year of Xining, the official granaries in Shu were already insufficient. Lü Jifu believed that the southwestern tribes could be subdued easily and did not make prior preparations. When the situation arose, he had no choice but to resort to the method of purchasing grain. Since the Meng family, although there was a saying of 'one for Yang and two for Yi', the taxes and levies in Yizhou had always been heavier than in other regions. The wealthy naturally had their share, but there were also many lower households. Although the court had repeatedly issued strict prohibitions against arbitrarily requisitioning grain from lower households, stating that requisitioning should be voluntary, once military needs were involved, local officials who could not gather provisions would risk losing their official positions. At this point, Sima Kang could not help but mockingly remark, "Today's gentlemen strive to reduce the half-year inspection, even if it means killing someone, let alone this which could lead to losing their official hats?" Although the court had repeatedly issued strict prohibitions against arbitrarily requisitioning grain from lower households, stating that requisitioning should be voluntary, once military needs were involved, local officials who could not gather provisions would risk losing their official positions. At this point, Sima Kang could not help but mockingly remark, "Today's gentlemen strive to reduce the half-year inspection, even if it means killing someone, let alone this which could lead to losing their official hats? How could the common people be allowed to choose whether to volunteer or not? Requisitioning turned into a form of taxation. Conscientious officials would exchange grain for money; second-rate officials would collect grain first and then pay; the worst would simply give you an IOU after collecting the grain, while the money allocated by the court would end up in the pockets of these corrupt officials. Since ancient times, local officials have been those who bully the good and fear the bad. The court is far away in Bianjing, while local tyrants are close at hand. How could a few edicts control their deception? Thus, the burden of requisitioning fell on the lower households.

At this moment, Sima Guang was sitting upright on that wooden chair, listening to Sima Kang talk about the situation in Yizhou Road

As the Minister of Revenue, Sima Guang is more aware than anyone else that the expenses for the military campaigns in Yizhou must be largely covered by local resources, with about seventy to eighty percent coming from local levies. However, even when accounting for the households in the rebellious provinces, the total number of households in Chengdu Prefecture is only slightly over 860,000. This means that in the past two to three years, the region of Shu has had to supply one soldier for every seven households. In contrast, during the reign of the late Emperor Yingzong, the Song Dynasty had over 14 million households, with a total military force of 1,162,000, including 663,000 troops in the imperial army, which meant that one soldier was supported by every thirteen to fourteen households. At that time, the world was at peace, and the financial resources of the realm were nearly exhausted. In comparison, although Yizhou is said to be prosperous, the suffering of its people is evident.

He would never forget the scene he witnessed that night—after the suppression of the Weinan mutiny, he entered the city alongside Li Hun. Once inside, both of them were trembling uncontrollably. The horrific sight of the county magistrate surnamed Zhou being flayed, along with the devastation in Weinan city after it was plundered by the chaotic soldiers—was nothing short of a hell on earth. Throughout the entire city, there were corpses of innocent civilians who had met tragic ends, from the elderly to infants, with every dead body’s eyes wide open, unable to close in death. The horrific sight of the county magistrate surnamed Zhou being flayed, along with the devastation in Weinan city after it was plundered by the chaotic soldiers—was nothing short of a hell on earth. Throughout the entire city, there were corpses of innocent civilians who had met tragic ends, from the elderly to infants, with every dead body’s eyes wide open, unable to close in death

Wang Gu seemed as if struck by lightning, momentarily speechless. After a while, he stammered, "Did you not just mention the two houses?"

Brother Tian said it was no problem. Tang Kang seemed to have returned to the days when Tian Liewu taught him archery and horseback riding at the Shifu.

Those who have not personally experienced the Five Dynasties cannot comprehend the fears of Emperor Taizu and the founding sages regarding the fragmentation of power among the regional warlords and the usurpation of authority by military men Even if all the civil officials in the world were corrupt, it would not compare to the devastation and chaos brought about by a single military man This was the first time Tang Kang truly understood the state of mind from which the military Emperor Taizu expressed these words

His residence was adjacent to the Xining Fanfang and not far from the inn where Qin Guan and others stayed, and it did not take long to arrive. This house was originally the ancestral property of an official family in Bianjing, said to have been granted the title of governor for their contributions in following Emperor Chai Shizong through three passes. However, due to the incompetence of their descendants, the family fell into decline, leading to the necessity of selling even their ancestral home. At the same time, Cai Jing was reassigned to the Taifu Temple and was searching for a suitable residence in Bianjing. He noticed that this house had a lower eastern side and a higher western side, which is referred to as "Lu Tu," perfectly aligning with the principles of residence that denote wealth and grandeur. He also appreciated the layout of the courtyard, which met his preferences; moreover, there were no other officials living nearby, which would reduce many troubles during this tumultuous period. Thus, he spent 800 guan to purchase it, only hiring someone to assess the feng shui and slightly altering the position of the screen wall before moving in. The original owner of this house was also from an official family, with ancestors who had held positions above the sixth rank. According to Song regulations, it was built with a black-headed door, and when it came to Cai Jing, there was no need to change even the door.

"How great a taboo have you committed to dare to speak such words?" Cai Jing said with a cold smile, "To bring down 'Qingfu', one must naturally start with his few inept brothers and brothers-in-law. This principle is fundamentally correct. However, if one were to act like Shiyong, I fear that even after a full cycle of sixty years, one would still find no evidence at all. If things go awry, one might even fall into a trap, using false evidence to impeach him. With 'Qingfu's' methods, one might instead be uprooted completely..." If things go awry, one might even fall into a trap, using false evidence to impeach him. With 'Qingfu's' methods, one might instead be uprooted completely...

As you have said, Lord Jun is indeed free of selfish motives. Cai Jing pressed his lips together, gazing at Wang Gu, and said: "Let me make a random guess—Lord Jun is actually overworked and plagued by illness. He fears that there may be some unmentionable matters, which is why he has summoned many wise individuals. He merely hopes that after his death, there will be virtuous ministers in the court to rectify the situation. Since the Minister of Revenue has no authority to dismiss officials, he has no choice but to place his hopes on the Censorate. In our dynasty's system, the only entity capable of balancing the two ministries is the Censorate."

Sima Guang increasingly felt his aging. Zeng Gongliang had died, Wu Chong had passed away, and Zhang Fangping had retired. Wen Yanbo, who was over ten years older than him, was now nearly eighty and could not remain in the Privy Council for much longer. Feng Jing was also in his sixties and was becoming less favored—most of the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel were now almost entirely presided over by the Deputy Minister. Sima Guang was well aware that the Emperor did not favor a Minister of Personnel serving for ten years! Those censors who were adept at discerning the Emperor's intentions were increasingly bold in their accusations against Feng Jing, and it was likely that within the next year or two, Feng Jing would inevitably be assigned to a local post. Ever since Su Zhe was sent to Fujian by Lü Huiqing, Wang Gui and Chen Yi had been eagerly hoping for an opportunity to become the Minister of this 'First Ministry under Heaven'.

But what?" Wang Gu's heart suddenly tightened

Compared to the status of Sima Guang, the furnishings in his study are rather simple and somewhat shabby. There is a writing desk, a piano table, a wooden chair, a bamboo bed, a bookcase, and a screen, all of which are items commonly found in the markets of Bianjing. The bookcase is neatly filled with books and scrolls; the documents, brushes, inkstones, charcoal pens, and stone pens on the writing desk are meticulously organized; neither the bookcase nor the writing desk has any carvings, being square and orderly. The screen beside it has only simple patterns on its four edges, while the blank space in the middle is filled with tiny script written in charcoal, suggesting that it is not a decorative item but rather a memo. The only valuable item in the entire study is the Tang dynasty guqin placed on the piano table, which is kept spotless and carefully covered with a piece of yellow silk, with three sticks of sandalwood incense offered in front, indicating that this guqin is a royal gift.

"As long as Qingfu is alive, the troubles in Lu will not cease!" Cai Jing looked at Wang Gu and said, "If I am not mistaken, Lord Jun Shi is doing this to deal with 'Qingfu' as well."

As Cai Jing's carriage arrived at the main gate, his steward, Cai Xi, hurriedly came out to greet him. While assisting him down from the carriage, he whispered in his ear, "My lord, Wang Dianyuan has arrived. As per your instructions, please have him wait in the study."

Wang Gu's body trembled, and his face instantly turned pale: "This... this has nothing to do with him?"

As he approached the library, Cai Jing deliberately slowed his pace, adopting a composed demeanor. When he entered the library, Wang Gu had already risen to his feet. On the table beside him lay a round fan and a scroll of books. Cai Jing, with his keen eyes, noticed that there was an inscription by Sima Guang on the surface of the fan made of blue paper.

The situation he could foresee made him involuntarily doubt the efforts he had put in over the past few years. However, reflecting on the dedication he had shown during this time, Sima Guang felt that it was not entirely in vain. For the past few months, a thought had been lingering in his mind—that compromising for the sake of achieving something may not be a mistake, but compromise should not mean giving up the struggle. A gentleman should not passively adopt the attitude of 'if my words are not heeded, I shall withdraw,' but should also not hesitate to stand in the court and fight against the petty individuals to the end. For the past few months, a thought had been lingering in his mind—that compromising for the sake of achieving something may not be a mistake, but compromise should not mean giving up the struggle. A gentleman should not passively adopt the attitude of 'if my words are not heeded, I shall withdraw,' but should also not hesitate to stand in the court and fight against the petty individuals to the end

Cai Jing said with hatred: "Even if I do not speak of justice, but only of personal grievances, I cannot remain uninvolved. Over the years, has 'Qing Fu' not harmed me severely?" He saw a moment of wild joy on Wang Gu's face, but suddenly changed his tone, "However..."

Tian Liewu's words seemed like a heart-to-heart conversation, yet also resembled advice; each sentence struck deep into Tang Kang's heart. He gazed at Tian Liewu, feeling subtly that this archery and horsemanship teacher of his was truly wise yet appeared foolish.

"Unless it is Lord Junshi himself who takes action," Cai Jing said solemnly

However, Tang Kang felt not a trace of regret in his heart. Even if he were to consider it rationally, he would still make the same choice

Cai Jing smiled slightly and said: "Over the past year, Sima Junshi has consecutively recommended more than ten distinguished scholars of integrity, among whom are reclusive figures like Shao Bowen, as well as renowned scholars like Yang Shi, who, despite passing the imperial examination, chose not to take up official positions, and others like Shiyong Xiong, who served as deputy magistrates twice and were highly regarded in local governance... Within a year, these individuals have almost spread throughout the Board of Censors and the Ministry of Rites..."

Wang Gu's face flushed, and he stammered, "It was my moment of confusion. I did not know... Oh!" Seeing Cai Jing's expression of deep sorrow, he could not help but stamp his foot and curse, "It is all Shao Bowen's fault!" Noticing Cai Jing's puzzled gaze, he hurriedly explained, "Shao Bowen said that Yuan Chang is an old subordinate of Shizi Ming, and if any evidence were to be left behind..."

Therefore, if it were me, even if I harbored deep resentment towards those beasts, I would not allow my subordinates to engage in such actions. That is a matter for the Weiwei Temple. My decision to deploy troops to quell the rebellion was made out of necessity, utilizing 'authority'; however, if I were to arbitrarily execute those beasts, I would be abusing my power. " Tian Liewu turned to Tang Kang and suddenly smiled, saying, "But in doing so, I must still say that you are right to act as you have."

He is acutely aware that even if he buys a house in Xining Fanfang, he cannot truly remain uninvolved. This is because he is merely a pawn in Shi Yue's hands, and Shi Yue has already moved him on the board. He must fulfill the tasks of the player while also cleverly protecting himself; any slight misstep, regardless of the source of power, could easily reduce him to dust, and he would receive no sympathy— including from Shi Yue.

Brother Shiyong, forgive my frankness. It is absolutely impossible for you to topple 'Qingfu' with the strength of one person. Even if Yang Shi, Shao Bowen, and even Fan Chunren were to join forces, they might not be his match. In those years, Wang Jiepu was able to drive away the entire court of censors; do you think 'Qingfu' lacks that capability?" Cai Jing shook his head and said, "To speak frankly, what reason do you think I have to stake my future on a party struggle that is destined to fail? Such an open confrontation, if it ends in failure, would lead to irretrievable consequences, and I would likely die an old man at Lingya Gate..." At this point, he shifted his tone and said, "Unless..."