Section 5

These thousands of traitorous soldiers should be executed according to military law! May I ask, my lord, if the commander captures a traitor, is it not permissible to act according to military law? Must one still seek approval from the central government or the military temple from a thousand miles away before executing them? Since Li Huan is the military law officer, he should have the authority to act as he sees fit. In the Song Dynasty's military law, the punishment for soldiers who violate the law is determined by rank, not by number. Among the traitorous soldiers, the highest rank is merely that of a deputy commander; regardless of whether it is Tang Kang, Tian Liewu, or Li Huan, they all have the authority to deal with this matter. Lord Zhang has served in the Weiwei Temple; does he not agree with what I have said?" At this moment, Shi Yue's mind was stirred, and he had already made up his mind to drag Zhang Dun completely into the mire.

Perhaps, sooner or later, the power of Shi Yue will truly become the third force of the Song Dynasty, standing in opposition to both the old and new parties. However, that moment will certainly not be now

Having said this, Shi Yue glanced at the extremely displeased Lu Huiqing and slowly stated: "The mutiny in Weinan is an urgent matter that requires immediate military action. Tang Kang has the authority to mobilize troops, which is acceptable. Although the Longwei Army is not directly under his command, it is necessary to act accordingly in this urgent situation. Before the troop mobilization, envoys have already been dispatched to urgently report to the officials, and there is official documentation to prove this, so it cannot be said that it 'has not been reported immediately.' If Tian Liewu and Li Hun do not comply promptly, they may be allowed to mobilize troops, and the court will consider unauthorized mobilization as a shared crime, punishable by execution by hanging. Before the troop mobilization, envoys have already been dispatched to urgently report to the officials, and there is official documentation to prove this, so it cannot be said that it 'has not been reported immediately.' If Tian Liewu and Li Hun do not comply promptly, they may be allowed to mobilize troops, and the court will consider unauthorized mobilization as a shared crime, punishable by execution by hanging. Their willingness to obey and face danger is indeed appropriate. According to the "Legal Commentary," those who do not follow this law are merely fleeing thieves, and the government has the authority to send officials to pursue them. May I ask, Your Excellency, can we apply this precedent to the ten thousand rebellious soldiers in Weinan?"

Sun Gu's face instantly turned red, as everyone present knew that it was Sun Gu who strongly advocated for appointing Zhong E to quell the rebellion in the southwest. At that time, the emperor intended to select one person from Wang Zhongzheng and Li Xian, but Sun Gu insisted on choosing Zhong E. No one at that time expected that Zhong E would suddenly pass away, yet this ultimately reflects Sun Gu's failure to recognize capable individuals.

"Is it possible that Sima Junshi intends to establish a pacification envoy in Yizhou?" Lü Huiqing squinted his eyes, gazing at Sima Guang, and retorted with a veiled sharpness.

As he slowly navigated through the crowd for about one or two quarters of an hour, Shi Yue, deep in thought, suddenly felt a flash of inspiration and finally remembered what had been weighing on his mind—Wen and Ma must have found a suitable candidate for the position of the border inspector in Yizhou, which is why they were able to compromise so easily with Lü Huaiqing! Lü Huaiqing believed he had the initiative in appointing the border inspector in Yizhou, but if Wen and Ma had already identified a candidate that Lü Huaiqing could not refuse, one that could leave the emperor and all the civil and military officials speechless... then they would actually still hold the winning hand! Lü Huaiqing believed he had the initiative in appointing the border inspector in Yizhou, but if Wen and Ma had already identified a candidate that Lü Huaiqing could not refuse, one that could leave the emperor and all the civil and military officials speechless... then they would actually still hold the winning hand

These words were impeccable, and Wen Yanbo raised his eyebrows slightly before smiling and saying: "The governor of the Shu Mansion is martial, while the provincial governor is literary; it should be this way."

However, Shi Yue does not intend to give up his influence over the situation in the court because of this. He has been lying low for long enough; the hibernation period is over. ... He aims to topple Lü Huiqing and lead the Song Dynasty out of the quagmire of Yizhou ... . This time, Shi Yue is not prepared to be a bystander. The current situation of the Song Dynasty is the result of his painstaking efforts. He cannot allow anyone to undermine his achievements.

How should the garrison in Yizhou arrange its formations to respond?" Li Xian asked with a frown, "With the loss of Luzhou, the Fushun Monitor is in imminent danger. Even the three provinces of Chang, Zi, and Rong are under threat. If the rebellious Yi take advantage of the salt wells in Fushun to fund their troops, plunder the interior, and collude with bandits, Yizhou...

However, at this moment, Shi Yue was in a very good mood, so he did not intend to disturb his subordinates' sleep by revising the edict. After getting into the carriage, Shi Yue began to close his eyes and rest. But after a short while, he felt that there was something weighing on his mind, making him restless and unable to calm down. After several attempts, he realized that no matter what, that ghostly thought always lingered, elusive yet ungraspable. He simply opened his eyes and pondered deeply about what he had actually discovered.

Fan Xiang chuckled and said: "This Zijing truly deserves to be called a talented person, having composed a poem in just five steps." After saying this, he recited aloud: "With a belt of one hundred thousand, I head to Yangzhou, what is eight hundred bronze worth to search for? The rivers and mountains of the world all belong to Song, how can we allow this place to be divided by a Honggou?"

What Lü Huiqing can affirm is that the "Yonghui Legal Commentary" is indeed based on the legal decrees of the Song Dynasty. The cases of Tang Kang, Tian Liewu, and others would naturally evoke sympathy from the public. Even if the judgments were strict, the emperor might still issue a special decree—let alone the fact that Shi Yue speaks with such certainty now! Lü Huiqing believes that if given a different occasion and time, he could leisurely consult the legal codes and inquire with his subordinates, and he might indeed find unfavorable commentaries or even precedents against Tang Kang and others. However, continuing to entangle this issue with Shi Yue at this moment is clearly not a wise course of action.

Lv Huaiqing smiled and said: "The commander must be an experienced general, and must possess strategies to defeat the enemy in order to bear this heavy responsibility. As for the envoy for border patrol and observation, not only must they be well-versed in military affairs and governance, but they must also be familiar with the situation in Yizhou. Such candidates should not be hastily decided upon, as it often leads to inappropriate choices. In my opinion, it is necessary to consult with the ministers in the court for recommendations, with the central government recommending the commander and the provinces recommending the envoy for observation, and then seeking the Emperor's wise judgment"

The only place where orders can be issued in the current Shiyue is called the "Editing and Decree Office"

But who is this person

Fan Xiang glanced at Qin Guan, gently sipped his tea, and slowly recited: "The mouse leaves its burrow due to the dragging of its intestines, the fish retreats from the river due to the dot on its forehead. The minister was originally a guest of the immortals, yet is there no spiritual elixir to save him?"

"The Detailed Penal Code of Jianlong" states: Those who unlawfully mobilize more than ten soldiers shall be exiled for one year; those who mobilize more than one hundred shall be exiled for one and a half years; those who mobilize more than one hundred shall face an additional penalty; those who mobilize more than one thousand shall be executed by strangulation!" Lu Huaiqing, with a pale face, exchanged glances with Shi Yue and coldly replied, "Tang Kang, Tian Liewu, and Li Hun unlawfully mobilized more than one thousand forbidden troops and shall be subjected to execution by strangulation! Although their original intention was to eliminate treachery for the country, the law of the state shows no favoritism, and their crimes are thus. Even with a benevolent edict, it must come from above; how can it be said that there is no crime?"

Qin Guan was taken aback upon hearing this, and could not help but clap his hands and laugh heartily, exclaiming in admiration: "What a line, 'The rivers and mountains of the world all belong to Song, how can we allow a divide here!' Well said, Zhang Zijing! Truly a remarkable Zhang Zijing!"

It is not necessary to appoint a pacification envoy, but it is advisable to establish a strategic envoy. In my humble opinion, the four offices of Yizhou Road should all have their personnel changed. The governors of the major states should also be chosen wisely. Sun Gu clearly aligned himself with Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang, even more fervently than the two of them, stating, "However, the most important thing is for the court to clearly issue an edict to temporarily suspend the Huizheng policy of Xining."

"Your Excellency," Lü Huaiqing said calmly to Wen Yanbo, slightly bowing, "Such a significant matter should still be decided by His Majesty." He secretly regretted that he had been on duty with Chen Yi at the Council Hall when he heard that Wen Yanbo had summoned him for an important discussion. Without much thought, he hurried over. By the time he arrived, only Sima Guang was already there, and Wen Yanbo had briefed the two of them on the situation. Lü Huaiqing was completely taken aback by this unexpected turn of events and did not consider Wen Yanbo's intentions in detail, so he did not take his leave immediately and went straight to the palace to shift the battleground. A careless move had led him into Wen Yanbo's trap, and he truly regretted it. However, he was not one to easily concede defeat. He understood that Wen Yanbo intended to pressure him in this manner; if a group were to debate in front of the Emperor, as long as he could guide the Emperor's thoughts, many ministers would inevitably read the situation and follow the Emperor's wishes. Even Wen Yanbo himself, faced with such an urgent matter, could not afford to delay and would have to compromise, thus giving Lü Huaiqing an advantage. But now, with the Emperor absent and so many ministers from both courts present, Lü Huaiqing was inferior to Wen Yanbo in terms of both numbers and prestige. If a consensus were reached in front of everyone, he would not be able to retract his statements; otherwise, he would be branded as a "repeatedly treacherous person," a charge that would be indisputably enforced. Lü Huaiqing had no choice but to invoke the Emperor once more, hinting at the taboo of the two courts discussing matters privately in front of those present.

The Great Song Penal Code indeed contains such a provision. However, do all the articles of the laws and regulations lack ambiguity?" Shi Yue replied淡淡.

When Sun Gu arrived at the Wenfu after the signing of the Privy Council, Wen Yanbo finally began to speak. However, as soon as he opened his mouth, he delivered a piece of bad news: "Gentlemen, the seed has indeed perished."

The officials of the four departments in Yizhou and the governors of the provinces are all appointed by the deliberative council of the Political Affairs Hall. If there is no evidence, it seems inappropriate to hastily conclude that they are unworthy. "Furthermore," Lü Huiqing replied coldly, "the Political Affairs Hall has previously failed to select capable individuals to govern Shu. Even if all of them were replaced, the successors may not necessarily be virtuous officials. The edict of the Xining Reformation has merits that will last for generations, as it is the Emperor's effort to eliminate future calamities for posterity. How can we easily abandon it due to a momentary setback? If we follow the intention of the signed document, I fear that the authority of the court will no longer be effective among the barbarians from this point onward!"

Everyone was taken aback, unsure of who would dare to openly confront Lü Huiqing. They all turned their gazes toward the direction of the voice, only to see Zhang Zong standing up, bowing and clasping his fists in greeting towards Wen Yanbo and Lü Huiqing.

Shiyue was not mistaken; Wen Yanbo indeed summoned him to the residence because a significant matter had arisen. Upon his arrival at the Wen residence, he was astonished to find that Lü Huiqing, Sima Guang, Feng Jing, and others were already present. Shortly thereafter, Wang Gui, Guo Kui, and Zhang Dun arrived in succession, followed by Li Xian, who had just returned to the capital to report on his duties. Shiyue surveyed the hall and noticed the grave expressions on the faces of Wen Yanbo, Lü Huiqing, and Sima Guang, causing his heart to sink little by little. The atmosphere indicated that something serious had occurred, and it was unlikely to be good news. Could it be... Shiyue's heart raced with worry that something might have happened to the emperor, but he quickly recalled that if the emperor were in trouble, Wen Yanbo would be too incapacitated to move, and they would have to carry him into the palace to manage the situation. Shiyue felt slightly reassured and quietly awaited Wen Yanbo to reveal the answer.

However, Shi Yue suddenly smiled slightly, as the saying goes, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind." The true architects of the future southwestern policy of the Song Dynasty may not necessarily be Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang

Tang Kangshi came from Rongzhou and detailed the situation in Yizhou to me. In Yizhou, the rampant issuance of paper money has led to soaring prices, and the government incessantly demands taxes, forcing the people to revolt, resulting in a surge of banditry. Even more detestable is the mutual protection among officials, deceiving superiors and concealing the truth from below, preventing the court from understanding the real situation in the southwest. The threat in the southwest posed by the barbarians is truly negligible; what is to be feared is the internal strife. The situation in Yizhou has reached such a dire state that the long-serving officials in Shu cannot atone for their crimes even with a hundred deaths. I believe the court should issue an edict promptly to detain the Yizhou transport commissioner Fang Ziyan, the Yizhou chief prosecutor Li Luzhong, and the Yizhou inspector Wang Zhiqing, and appoint capable individuals to replace them. Zhang Zhun looked directly at Lü Huiqing, speaking passionately and aggressively.

In the view of the gentleman, after three years of conflict between the court and the southwestern barbarians, the rebellion has only intensified. Is this not sufficient evidence of the incompetence of the officials in Yizhou?

"Is Lord Zhang suggesting that the officials in Yizhou are colluding with each other to deceive the court?" Lü Huiqing scoffed and said, "This is merely the one-sided account of Tang Kangshi. When Tang Kangshi was in Rongzhou, he was already obstinate and at odds with his superiors. How can we be sure that it is not because he has offended someone and is seeking to absolve himself by deliberately exaggerating the situation?"

Moreover, even if there is guilt, it would only result in a demotion. What necessity does Tang Kang have to commit the grave offense of deceiving the emperor for the sake of a minor crime? As soon as Shi Yue received a positive response from Zhang Zhun, he immediately interjected, redirecting the focus and ensuring that no one had the opportunity to regain their composure. His statement was indeed very reasonable; even if the crimes of Tang Kang and Li Hun were equated with the killing of captives, frontline generals who kill captives or even indiscriminately slaughter innocent civilians of enemy states, although the legal provisions impose serious penalties, in practice, they have never been sentenced to heavy punishments.

Wen Yanbo cast a disdainful glance at him, and before he could respond, Lü Huiqing had already laughed and said: "Lord Yu Yugu, the officials' offices of many gentlemen here are located near Xuande Gate. When the officials and common people see this, they might think that so many ministers from the two courts are entering the palace together, and rumors will surely start to spread in Bianjing again"

After a long while, Zhang Jun was the first to break the silence and asked, "May I ask, Minister Wen, how did the seed die?" This was the question that everyone wanted to ask but dared not. In comparison, everyone was more afraid of hearing the news of a military defeat.

Dare I ask, in the matter of signing, is it the transport officials and the educational officials of Yizhou who are fighting, or is it the officials leading the troops who are engaged in battle?" Lü Huiqing lifted the teacup beside him, took a gentle sip, and said leisurely, "In my opinion, it would be best for the signing authority to carefully select the leading officials.

Lu Huiqing noticed that he was confident and composed, which made her secretly doubt him. Although he was well-educated, he was after all from a scholar-official background, and the legal system of the Song Dynasty, even for a judge with many years of experience, might not necessarily be fully familiar with all the statutes and commentaries. However, it is undeniable that for every legal provision, there must be corresponding legal interpretations and precedents.

Shiyue cast a sidelong glance at the beaming Lü Huiqing, then looked at Sima Guang, who was seated next to Wen Yanbo. He had long noticed that Sima Guang, who had spoken little today, would unconsciously reveal a hint of mockery at the corners of his mouth every time his gaze swept over Lü Huiqing. That expression resembled that of a hunter who sees his prey fall into a trap, oblivious and foolishly confident. Lü Huiqing believed he had passed this hurdle; he conceded to send someone to Shu, yet he transferred the personnel authority of the border patrol and observation to the Ministry of Personnel, rendering the Privy Council and Wen Yanbo unable to intervene in the matter thereafter. However, Shiyue had a feeling that the tactics of Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang were far from over.

Lu Huiqing let out a sound of hesitation and replied without a moment's thought: "Changing commanders at the last moment is a major taboo in military affairs. In my opinion, if new officials are appointed in Yizhou, they may not be familiar with the local conditions, which could lead to adverse outcomes. However..." At this point, he paused slightly, glancing at Li Xian. He was aware of the intention behind Wen Yanbo's invitation to Li Xian; it was not just about Li Xian. It was likely that more than half of the people in this hall would return home and immediately report everything that had transpired here to the Emperor. If he were to stubbornly oppose this, it would only make him appear guilty. With so many high-ranking officials present, some were directly opposing him, while others were taking a neutral stance, waiting to see how things would unfold. He also knew that Wen Yanbo had made his point clear, and if he continued to resist even a little, it would be too obvious. He truly did not know how many memorials accusing him were waiting for him. "However, as Tang Kang said, the rumors that Lord Li has heard should indeed not be taken lightly. I believe we can handle it this way: the situation in the southwest does require the selection of capable generals to oversee military power as the governor. It would be advisable to appoint another envoy to Yizhou to observe military and civil affairs in addition to this governor. What does the Grand Tutor think?"

"Life and death are determined by fate; how can one predict them in advance?" Wen Yanbo casually intervened to relieve Sun Gu's predicament, "As for warfare, although victory or defeat is determined in the heat of battle, the outcome relies on the leadership of the generals; however, an army cannot function without provisions, and the stability of the rear is also a key to victory. Choosing the wrong generals is my fault, and I shall submit a memorial to plead for forgiveness; yet, the officials of Yizhou, I fear, cannot be said to be entirely without fault..." Choosing the wrong generals is my fault, and I shall submit a memorial to plead for forgiveness; yet, the officials of Yizhou, I fear, cannot be said to be entirely without fault..."

Oh! Shi Yue had completely forgotten about Jin Lan by this time, and simply instructed: "You need not accompany me to the Wen residence. Please go and inform Madam to tell the Jin family that the second young master is currently in the Yushi Tai prison, and the Emperor has graciously permitted family visits..." At this point, he suddenly furrowed his brow, lowered his voice, and said solemnly: "Furthermore, inform the Jin family that Kang Shi is also my brother, and she must not lose her composure. Especially in the palace, she must not seek anyone's help, otherwise, she will endanger Kang Shi's life."

This time, even Shi Yue was moved, after all, Zhang Chao was one of the "Thirteen Sons of Baishuitan" and had a deep connection with Shi Yue. No matter how clever he was, he was not as talented as Cao Zijiang, so how could he truly compose a poem in seven steps? He couldn't help but sit up straight and ask, "Has he ever been able to do that?"

Ah?! Even the usually composed Shi Yue could not maintain his calm; before the battle even began, the commander had died of illness. Then, Luzhou fell, and they also lost a fourth-rank governor-general! This is the highest-ranking official to have died in the Song army since the rebellion of the southwestern barbarians. For the already chaotic Yizhou, this is truly adding insult to injury

Shi Yue engaged in a lively conversation with Fan Xiang and Qin Guan. Although the discussion was not yet concluded, Wen Yanbo had received a special imperial decree allowing him to conduct official business at his residence. Knowing that Wen Yanbo must have important matters to discuss, Shi Yue did not dare to delay and quickly offered soup to his guests. After the two took their leave, Shi Yue adjusted his attire and instructed for the carriage and horses to be prepared, hurrying to the Wen residence. Just then, a sword attendant beside him remarked, "Scholar, do you not have further instructions for Lord Cheng'an County?" After the two took their leave, Shi Yue adjusted his attire and instructed for the carriage and horses to be prepared, hurrying to the Wen residence. Just then, a sword attendant beside him remarked, "Scholar, do you not have further instructions for Lord Cheng'an County?"

The air solidifies in an instant

However, at this moment, Zhang Jun could no longer stand on the side of "right and wrong," and could only helplessly stand on the side of "interests." Even if he believed in his heart that Shi Yue was being sophistical, he still had to support him

"Ziming was ordered to compile the laws and regulations, how could he not know?" Lü Huiqing did not actually wish to offend Shi Yue, but since Zhang Dun had brought up Tang Kang, he had no way to retreat. At this moment, they were at odds, and neither could easily give way.

Where there is smoke, there must be fire. Lord Li, far away in Liangzhou, has even heard such rumors. Regardless of their truth, the court should take measures to thoroughly investigate. In my opinion, if we hastily determine the guilt of Fang Ziyan and others without inquiry, it seems rather rash; however, if we ignore it, it would be a sign of our incompetence. It would be better to take this opportunity to reassign the four offices of Yizhou to other routes and appoint capable individuals. Once the new officials take office and ascertain the truth, if there is indeed deception against the emperor, it would not be too late to punish them. I wonder what Lord Lü and the other officials think about this?

"Esteemed gentlemen, I invite you all to come forth, as we must discuss a strategy. " Wen Yanbo's white beard trembled as he spoke, "The Emperor will soon summon us. We are deeply favored by His Majesty, and if we cannot assist our sovereign in achieving a peaceful era akin to that of Yao and Shun, we should feel ashamed in our hearts. If the Emperor inquires and we find ourselves at a loss, what face do we have to stand in the court? However, the situation in Yizhou cannot be resolved merely through military force. Therefore, I earnestly request the ministers and officials from both courts to come together and devise a sound plan."

"Not guilty?" With a single remark from Shiyue, he instantly captured everyone's attention. Lu Huiqing was momentarily taken aback, and after a long pause, he laughed heartily and said: "Ziming, although you share a brotherly bond with Kang Shi, the law of the state knows no kinship..."

The cunning Wen Yanbo once again passed the ball to Li Xian, forcing him to make a statement. This was evidently a weighty factor on the balance. Li Xian could not help but silently lament. The status of eunuchs in the Song Dynasty was different from that in any other dynasty. If it were said that they had no military power, their military authority was even greater than that of the late Tang Dynasty—eunuchs in the Song Dynasty often served as commanders and held significant military control; if it were said that they could not interfere in politics, many eunuchs were evidently administrative officials, appearing in engineering, water conservancy, and even local administration and judiciary; moreover, they were often responsible for managing the imperial treasury, procuring various goods, which was a frequent task for them. Before the Xining era, ... If it were said that they had no military power, their military authority was even greater than that of the late Tang Dynasty—eunuchs in the Song Dynasty often served as commanders and held significant military control; if it were said that they could not interfere in politics, many eunuchs were evidently administrative officials, appearing in engineering, water conservancy, and even local administration and judiciary; moreover, they were often responsible for managing the imperial treasury, procuring various goods, which was a frequent task for them. Regarding how much money the court actually had, perhaps the eunuchs knew better than the Three Departments' officials ... However, all of this does not in any way represent how high the status of eunuchs in the Song Dynasty was. Although Li Xian had long commanded troops in the field and could be considered a regional lord, if the emperor wanted him dead, he could only commit suicide upon receiving a decree delivered by a scholar. ... However, all of this does not in any way represent how high the status of eunuchs in the Song Dynasty was. Although Li Xian had long commanded troops in the field and could be considered a regional lord, if the emperor wanted him dead, he could only commit suicide upon receiving a decree delivered by a scholar. The system of the Song Dynasty, along with the overall strong position of the scholar-official class, had already determined that the eunuchs of the Song Dynasty might rely on their talents and opportunities to achieve high positions within this system that many scholar-officials would envy and be jealous of, and exert their influence on the court. However, as an interest group, unlike the Han and Tang Dynasties, there was no interest group called "eunuchs" in the Song Dynasty. The system of the Song Dynasty, along with the overall strong position of the scholar-official class, had already determined that the eunuchs of the Song Dynasty might rely on their talents and opportunities to achieve high positions within this system that many scholar-officials would envy and be jealous of, and exert their influence on the court. However, as an interest group, unlike the Han and Tang Dynasties, there was no interest group called "eunuchs" in the Song Dynasty. For individual eunuchs, they were merely a part of the bureaucratic system of the Song Dynasty, enjoying various privileges and benefits, but also facing various discrimination and suspicion. They had to be extremely cautious, maneuvering between the scholar-officials and the emperor. For individual eunuchs, they were merely a part of the bureaucratic system of the Song Dynasty, enjoying various privileges and benefits, but also facing various discrimination and suspicion. They had to be extremely cautious, maneuvering between the scholar-officials and the emperor.

This is nature

Fan Xiang felt a chill in his heart as he listened to Qin Guan speak these extremely blunt words, secretly regretting that he should not have shown off his cleverness. He quietly raised his eyes to look at Shi Yue, who淡淡 said: "If the pot is burned through, everyone will end up hungry. However, the current pressing concern for the court still lies in Yizhou. A leaking roof is likely to encounter a night of continuous rain; some hidden dangers are not apparent during peaceful times and will only emerge all at once when faced with a crisis. It would be better if they all erupted at once; if it does not break, it cannot stand. I recommended Zhong Lin for the position of Chief of the Criminal Department because I saw that Zhong Lin was quite capable in handling cases locally, having dealt with several major cases exceptionally well, even receiving praise from the Emperor. However, it seems that I made a mistake in my recommendation; it is likely that you would fare better in the Department of Revenue..."

Therefore, it is believed that Tang Kang, Tian Liewu, and Li Hun are innocent and have made contributions. Shi Yue said lightly, "Tang Kang and the others have no time to think of themselves for the sake of the country, how could they deliberately spread alarming words to seek to evade punishment? Moreover, they have not committed any crime, and there is no need for them to resort to such a lowly tactic." After he finished speaking, he cast a sidelong glance at Lü Huiqing, clasped his fists, and leisurely took a sip of tea. The same situation, a few years ago, would have left Shi Yue at a loss. However, in recent years, he has organized the laws of the Song Dynasty, and being a small lawyer is no longer a problem.

Shige quietly repeated it once more, and couldn't help but smile, saying: "This Chao is indeed a sharp-tongued person"

That is good. Shi Yue nodded slightly and said with a cold smile, "The decrees and laws of the current dynasty are numerous, and you gentlemen may not have read them all in detail. However, those present should know that the Song dynasty inherited the Tang system, and the laws of the current dynasty are derived from the Tang Code, particularly based on the 'Yonghui Legal Commentary.' You gentlemen are all well-educated scholars, and I believe you are not unfamiliar with the 'Yonghui Legal Commentary,' correct?" He looked around at the crowd and said loudly, "In the sixteenth volume of the 'Yonghui Legal Commentary,' it states: 'This refers to those who, without urgent need, do not first report to their superiors and hastily deploy troops.' The commentary clearly explains: If there are bandits invading the territory, intending to attack or ambush; as well as in domestic towns and places where troops are stationed, if there are rebellions or external bandits causing disturbances, and internal support for the state, if such situations arise and there is an urgent need to use troops, 'one may deploy as necessary!' The commentary further clarifies: The term 'one may deploy as necessary' means that it is not required to obtain prior approval from superiors; deployment is permitted, and even if the troops are not under the direct command of the person in charge, if there is an urgent need for troops, deployment is also allowed. The commanding officer may grant permission at will and then report to superiors separately. If such situations arise and there is an urgent need to use troops, 'one may deploy as necessary!' The commentary again clearly explains: The term 'one may deploy as necessary' means that it is not required to obtain prior approval from superiors; deployment is permitted, and even if the troops are not under the direct command of the person in charge, if there is an urgent need for troops, deployment is also allowed. The commanding officer may grant permission at will and then report to superiors separately. This is what is meant by 'urgent need for troops, without prior reporting to superiors.'

Such matters should not be delayed, Grand Tutor. Let us conclude our discussion here for today. We must also enter the palace early to report this matter to His Majesty.

Fan Xiang bowed slightly and said: "A gentleman is not a tool; a student wishes to hone his skills in various places."

The "Lü Shu" further states: If one does not immediately dispatch or provide, according to the required number of personnel, it shall be treated the same as the crime of unauthorized dispatch; if one does not report immediately, it shall also be based on the number dispatched, with a reduction of one degree of punishment. If there are fugitives or thieves, and the local officials have sufficient personnel to pursue them, this law does not apply. This clarifies that if there are no military bandits, but merely fugitives or thieves, and the local officials have sufficient personnel to pursue them, then this provision shall not be applicable. Furthermore, if the officials refuse to dispatch personnel for suppressing rebellion, they shall be punished as if they had dispatched unauthorized personnel! This clarifies that if there are no military bandits, but merely fugitives or thieves, and the local officials have sufficient personnel to pursue them, then this provision shall not be applicable. Furthermore, if the officials refuse to dispatch personnel for suppressing rebellion, they shall be punished as if they had dispatched unauthorized personnel! After dispatching personnel, if one does not immediately report to the higher authorities, it shall be treated as the crime of unauthorized dispatch, with a reduction of one degree of punishment

In terms of military law, this is indeed the case

"They are not adding fuel to the fire, but rather stoking the flames from below," Qin Guan said with a smile. "If you say that the commercial taxes in Shaanxi have caused chaos in the prices of Bianjing, leading to a drastic devaluation of paper money, I advise you, Zhonglin, to keep your mouth shut. Even I feel a bit dizzy and perplexed after hearing this; others might think you are either mad or foolish. Now, some are roasting on the fire, while others are adding fuel from below; does it matter whether it is intentional or unintentional? I feel a bit dizzy and perplexed after hearing this; others might think you are either mad or foolish. Now, some are roasting on the fire, while others are adding fuel from below; does it matter whether it is intentional or unintentional? It is prudent not to bring trouble upon oneself. Once they are burnt and the fuel is exhausted, do you still fear that there will be no wise men to extinguish the fire?"

The carriage traveled through the streets and alleys. Because Shi Yue greatly disliked the pomp associated with officials clearing the way, he rarely took a retinue when going out. After the war ended, he utilized his privileges to arrange for most of the guards who had followed him to be assigned to the Western Army. The very few personal guards who returned with him to the capital were gradually dispersed; some returned to Shaanxi, some entered the Imperial Guard, and others became minor officials in the government. However, considering his past experience of being assassinated in Shaanxi, along with the fact that he was indeed a nobleman of the Song court, a certain level of ceremonial display was sometimes unavoidable. Under the insistence of Pan Zhaolin, Shi Yue ultimately retained four exceptionally skilled and loyal personal guards. Thus, in Bianjing, whenever Shi Yue went out, it was often just a single carriage accompanied by four or five mounted guards. This kind of entourage was even less ostentatious than that of a wealthy merchant. Nevertheless, while this style did not disturb the populace, it did result in a significantly slower pace of travel. The journey from the residence of Wen Yanbo to Xueshi Alley required passing through several bustling districts, where the streets were crowded with people. Therefore, in Bianjing, whenever Shi Yue went out, it was often just a single carriage accompanied by four or five mounted guards. This kind of entourage was even less ostentatious than that of a wealthy merchant. However, while this style did not disturb the populace, it did result in a significantly slower pace of travel. The journey from the residence of Wen Yanbo to Xueshi Alley required passing through several bustling districts, where the streets were crowded with people, and sometimes the speed of the carriage was even slower than walking.

Stop the carriage!" Shi Yue suddenly shouted, and the carriage came to a slow halt. "To the Great Xiangguo Temple," he instructed after a moment of contemplation. He knew that today Pan Zhaolin would definitely be there playing chess with Master Zhiyuan.

"Your Excellency, I have never been to Yizhou. I am also unaware of the situation there. The so-called 'bandits' are merely rumors I have heard," Li Xian pondered for a moment before responding ambiguously.

The samurai sword listened intently as Shi Yue spoke earnestly, and with a solemn response, he escorted Shi Yue to the carriage before hastily returning to the inner residence to convey the message to Zi Er and Jin Lan

Wen Yanbo slightly nodded, stood up, and clasped his fists, saying: "In that case, I shall accompany Lord Lü into the palace to report to His Majesty about the matters discussed today. As for when the various officials will be summoned for court discussions, His Majesty will certainly issue another decree. However, I must trouble the officials returning to their offices to please take different routes home."

Zhang Zhun did not expect Shi Yue to take such a step. Even though he was decisive, he couldn't help but be taken aback. Shi Yue's words were indeed hard to refute; according to the military law of the Song Dynasty, a mere deputy commander committing such a grave offense, regardless of whether it was Tang Kang or a sixth-rank official, even Li Hun, a military judge at the battalion level, could execute him without hesitation. For military judges, their authority to impose penalties is indeed based on the rank of the offender, not the number of offenders. If one soldier violates military law, they have the authority to deal with it; if ten soldiers violate military law, they equally have the authority to deal with it. To say that it would be permissible to execute him seems to present no flaws. The rebellion of the Xiongwu Second Army, the killing of the commander, and the massacre of civilians can be said to have conclusive evidence. According to Shi Yue's statement, he indeed has the authority to act "at his discretion"! However, by common reasoning, there is something amiss in this situation, especially considering the scale of thousands of people. According to Shi Yue's statement, he indeed has the authority to act "at his discretion"! However, by common reasoning, there is something amiss in this situation, especially considering the scale of thousands of people! Given the identities of Tang Kang and Li Hun, how could they casually decide the lives and deaths of thousands? If they did not overstep their authority, it still feels awkward no matter how one looks at it.

Li Xian is an extremely intelligent person. He knows that his current status is not only due to his military talents but also because he understands the importance of cautiously avoiding the disputes of the court and simply being loyal to the emperor. However, he never expected that after being careful and prudent his entire life, he would involuntarily be drawn into the whirlpool of political struggle during a mere trip back to the capital for a work report. Of course, he would report the details of this meeting to the emperor to clarify his position—he is well aware that this is also the reason why Wen Yanbo invited him to attend—but at this moment, Li Xian can only secretly regret his indiscretion. Wen Yanbo is usually upright and self-restrained, rarely resorting to schemes, which sometimes leads people to misunderstand him as merely a pure Confucian scholar. But at this time, everyone has begun to experience firsthand the pain of understanding what exactly qualifies Wen Yanbo to be a senior official across three reigns! When he does not act, it is fine; but once he does, he captures all the important ministers in the court! This last remaining elder of the Qingli period is indeed not to be underestimated.

Lü Huiqing's statement was quite unexpected to everyone. Wen Yanbo asked, "Then does Lord Lü have suitable candidates in mind for the positions of the strategic envoy and the border inspection envoy?"

Even if it can be argued that he is guilty of unlawfully deploying troops, what then can be said about his unlawful killing of thousands of rebellious soldiers? In an instant, Lü Huiqing decided to shift the battlefield

Shiyue immediately recalled the events that took place at the Wen residence today, as the subtle changes in the expressions of Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang flashed repeatedly in his mind at different moments. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became of his conjecture. Only in this way could everything be reasonably explained

For a moment, Shi Yue was once again filled with doubt. He was confident in his judgment, but without knowing who Wen and Ma would ultimately recommend, his judgment, even if correct, would be meaningless. For Shi Yue, his greatest strength lay in anticipating the enemy's moves, calculating the plans of the new and old parties in advance, and then leveraging their contradictions to promote his own agenda, thereby extracting his own political benefits. However, as the new and old parties increasingly distanced themselves from extreme tendencies and moved towards moderation, they became more willing to compromise; and as the so-called "Shi Party" grew stronger, Shi Yue's tactics became less effective. After all, the premise of playing the pig to eat the tiger is that your strength must not raise others' heightened vigilance. Yet, having almost lost all direct power, Shi Yue had to utilize this tactic to exert his influence over the court and even attempt a turnaround.

What Master Zhang said is indeed true. Wen Yanbo did not give Lv Huiqing a chance to speak and immediately interjected: The situation in Yizhou Road must be thoroughly understood by the court. Just now, Master Li was concerned about the collusion between the rebels and the bandits, and it seems that Master Li is also aware of the rampant banditry in Yizhou

Before he could finish speaking, the people in the hall had already fallen silent once again. Everyone knew that although the prohibition against officials visiting the private residences of those in power had been lifted during the reign of Emperor Renzong, and figures like Wang Anshi and Lü Huiqing often discussed state affairs in private residences, it was still quite taboo for the two courts to convene at a minister's private residence. Wen Yanbo had little to fear; he was soon to retire, and no matter what the emperor did, for this veteran of three reigns, it was absolutely unavoidable to be granted the title of "Grand Preceptor" and return home to enjoy his old age. However, the people present each had their own futures to consider and could not afford to act without caution. Moreover, everyone was well aware that Wen Yanbo's move was clearly aimed at Lü Huiqing. The joint discussion of the two courts should have been presided over by Lü Huiqing; however, since it was now taking place at Wen Yanbo's private residence, and he was the highest-ranking veteran of three reigns, coupled with the rebellion in Yizhou, Lü Huiqing could not escape responsibility. Thus, Wen Yanbo could firmly hold the initiative. His few short sentences, on the surface, seemed to express loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, even carrying a hint of self-reproach, but everyone detected the underlying message—since he stated that the situation in Yizhou "cannot be resolved merely by military force," what else could it be but a political issue? All eyes, without exception, turned towards Lü Huiqing.

The Grand Tutor's words are indeed reasonable. As soon as Wen Yanbo finished speaking, Sima Guang stood up to support him, stating, "In the situation in the southwest, it is not only essential to choose capable generals to lead the troops in quelling the rebellion, but it is also crucial to select wise ministers to be entrusted with command. Only through the combination of civil and military efforts can success be achieved"

Who is the person that Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang have in mind? Shi Yue began to filter through the potential candidates one by one, and then rejected them one by one. There are many who are qualified to serve as the observer of public sentiment, and quite a few who are capable of fulfilling this role, yet it seems that none of them have a guaranteed chance of success. While Wen and Ma can certainly propose candidates who are aligned with the old party, Lü Huaiqing also has equally formidable candidates at his disposal. In a Ministry of Personnel where Lü Huaiqing serves as the Left Minister, these candidates do not hold any advantage.

However, who exactly will that person be

Fan Xiang chuckled, "The governor of Liaozhou is just like Shaoyou; he was moved by compassion and truly granted the Taoist a certificate. However, because of this matter, the prefect also remembered Zhang Jingzhi. More than a year later, due to the high value of money in Shaanxi and the low value of banknotes, merchants from various places began to transport copper coins into Shaanxi to buy banknotes for profit, causing a chaotic mix of currency values across regions and a complete disorder in prices. Hedong, bordering Shaanxi, was significantly affected, and the prefects of several states convened to delineate boundaries and issued an order prohibiting copper coins from entering Shaanxi. More than a year later, due to the high value of money in Shaanxi and the low value of banknotes, merchants from various places began to transport copper coins into Shaanxi to buy banknotes for profit, causing a chaotic mix of currency values across regions and a complete disorder in prices. Hedong, bordering Shaanxi, was significantly affected, and the prefects of several states convened to delineate boundaries and issued an order prohibiting copper coins from entering Shaanxi. This time, however, Zhang Jingzhi himself violated the prohibition and was caught in Jiangzhou with eight hundred wen of copper coins intended for Shaanxi, and was taken by the officials to see the governor—do you know who this governor is? It turns out to be the same governor of Liaozhou from a year ago, who had just been transferred to Jiangzhou. When the prefect heard that the person who violated the currency ban was Zhang Chao, he did not interrogate him but simply ordered him to compose a poem within seven steps to defend himself. If he could produce it, he would be pardoned; if he could not, not only would the copper coins be confiscated by the government, but he would also be given thirty lashes.

Oh? Shi Yue looked at Fan Xiang in surprise, completely unprepared for his level of insight. The chaos surrounding the issuance of paper money, which originated from Shaanxi Road and spread to most regions of the Song Dynasty, had suddenly spiraled out of control within just a few months. Shi Yue found this unexpected, as although Lü Huiqing had issued paper money excessively for military and national expenses, there was still a distinction between this and large coins or the zhe er qian, because the paper money was closely tied to copper coins and possessed complete legal tender capability. In this regard, Lü Huiqing demonstrated an intelligence that was almost ahead of his time—he preferred to endure the financial inflation caused by the excessive issuance of paper money while steadfastly protecting the government’s credit for paper money, allowing the public to freely pay taxes with it. Shi Yue secretly admired this—he certainly did not know that this was a suggestion from Wang Anshi, who was far away in Jinling, to Lü Huiqing. After withdrawing from politics and suffering the pain of losing a son, Wang Anshi, though living in seclusion by the Stone City, had never forgotten the movements of the Song Dynasty. After his change in status, he saw many things more clearly—therefore, Shi Yue originally believed that the ratio of paper to copper would not encounter major issues. He thought that minor fluctuations were inevitable but should remain within a controllable range. However, human calculations cannot compare to the heavens' calculations. The transport official of Shaanxi Road, Fan Chuncai, a traditional scholar-official who was impeccable in both talent and character, inadvertently ignited a thunderous explosion in his hands.

Lv Huiqing could not help but silently lament. The Song Dynasty has always been known for its "rule of law," and the current emperor, along with the new party, places great emphasis on laws and regulations. However, the sheer number of legal decrees in the Great Song Dynasty is also quite famous, and the specific content of these laws is something that officials who have never served as judges cannot distinguish at all—this is also the reason why clerks can deceive both superiors and subordinates. Since Wang Anshi became prime minister, the Great Song Dynasty has been engaged in two main tasks: one is to enhance the legal education of officials by elevating the status of the "Mingfa" examination; the other is to compile and organize legal decrees and statutes. However, this is not an overnight achievement. For most Song officials, while they may not be unfamiliar with various laws and regulations, they will at most only pay attention to those legal texts and cannot possibly have a clear understanding of all the nuances. Lv Huiqing clearly knows in his heart that the likelihood of Tang Kang and others being aware of the content of the memorial mentioned by Shi Yue beforehand is extremely low, as the law concerning unauthorized enforcement is not one that is frequently applied in the Great Song. Yet, he could not raise any questions; otherwise, he would inevitably bring humiliation upon himself—do you think that just because you do not read, others do not read either? Lv Huiqing could not afford such humiliation.

"May I ask, sir, which law did Tang Kang actually violate?" Shi Yue interrupted Lu Huiqing without any courtesy

According to the system of the Song army, when the troops are stationed outside, they are required to report daily even in the absence of any incidents. However, despite this, the news of Zhong E's death, which occurred in Shu, took at least half a month to reach the capital, Bianjing, given the distance of several thousand miles between them. Yet, what the people in this hall are actually concerned about is not Zhong E's life or death.

Fan Xiang smiled and said, "However, what Zhang Zijing criticized is indeed justified. Those several governors are truly foolish; they believe that by shifting the burden onto their neighbors, they can ensure peace in their own territories, yet they do not realize that such actions are no different from adding fuel to the fire"

Before he could finish speaking, someone exclaimed loudly: "It is not merely a matter of 'not being able to say there are no faults'; in my opinion, it is indeed a crime that deserves punishment!"

The "two guests" mentioned by A Wang refer to Qin Guan and Fan Xiang. Over the past decade, Fan Xiang has steadily risen through the ranks, finally reaching the position of a seventh-rank official. In the eyes of many colleagues, this is already considered a successful career. However, as Fan Xiang observes Sima Mengqiu, who has now become the deputy chief of the Privy Council at the fifth rank, and sees Qin Guan sitting beside him, full of ambition and at the peak of his career, while other old friends are also achieving success and rising rapidly, he cannot help but feel envious of their accomplishments. Yet, despite his lack of opportunity, he feels powerless. Nevertheless, the opportunity has finally arrived. A month ago, with the recommendation of Shi Yue, Fan Xiang was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel as the chief of the Criminal Division. Although this is merely a minor position at the seventh rank, its significance is extraordinary—it marks a direct entry into the power center of the Song Dynasty. The excitement in Fan Xiang's heart is beyond words.

"Why is this, Grand Tutor?" Wang Gui had long wanted to leave this place of disputes, and at this moment, upon hearing the words, he could not help but ask in astonishment

In an instant, Shi Yue was once again taken aback

"Well said, a gentleman is not a tool," Shi Yue laughed and said, "This is exactly the point." Just as they were speaking, a sword attendant arrived at the door and reported, "Scholar, someone from the Grand Tutor's residence requests your presence to discuss matters."

Upon hearing this humorous poem, Qin Guan could not help but smile; however, upon deeper reflection on the meaning within the poem, he was overwhelmed by a sense of sorrow that struck him directly, leaving him momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he sighed and said, "This Taoist is indeed pitiable"

Even those who oppose Shi Yue must admit that the Office of Edicts is indeed the most streamlined and economical institution of the Song Dynasty. Originally, Shi Yue did not even intend to establish an official office, planning instead to rent a few rooms at the Baishuitan Academy. However, unexpectedly, he was impeached by the Censorate for "violating propriety," and thus, he had no choice but to set up the office near the Guozijian. Yet, this office often accumulated dust, as Shi Yue would only come by once every ten days or half a month. The superiors were lazy, and the subordinates followed suit, turning this place into a veritable cold office. Originally, Shi Yue did not even intend to establish an official office, planning instead to rent a few rooms at the Baishuitan Academy. However, unexpectedly, he was impeached by the Censorate for "violating propriety," and thus, he had no choice but to set up the office near the Guozijian. Yet, this office often accumulated dust, as Shi Yue would only come by once every ten days or half a month. The superiors were lazy, and the subordinates followed suit, turning this place into a veritable cold office.

Shiyue saw that everyone was looking at him, he slowly stood up, gazed at Lv Huiqing, and said in a loud voice: "In my opinion, Tang Kang is innocent"

"He has died from illness." Wen Yanbo did not give the crowd a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, "I have just received an urgent report from the 500-li horse shop. After Zhong E arrived in Yizhou, he did not go to Rongzhou, but instead led his troops to garrison Luzhou. Before he even reached Luzhou City, he suddenly fell ill and was unable to rise for several days. A commander of the Longwei Army, who was at the forefront, had already advanced deep into Naxi Zhai. Upon hearing the news, he hurriedly retreated, but fell into an ambush set by the barbarian troops, resulting in the complete loss of over 300 men. The southwestern rebel barbarians learned of Zhong E's illness, causing the morale of the imperial army to waver. They gathered over 10,000 troops to attack Luzhou City. The governor of Luzhou, Mo Jiuwan, abandoned the city and fled, leading to the fall of Luzhou. The rebel barbarians also set up ambushes along the road, launching surprise attacks on Jiang Zhongxing, the governor of Yizhou, who was hastening to Luzhou for reinforcements. The imperial army suffered a great defeat, with nearly 1,000 casualties, and even Jiang Zhongxing was killed in battle..."

I dare to guarantee with my head that Tang Kang, Tian Liewu, and others are all loyal ministers and righteous men. Their words can be trusted. Now that matters have come to this point, Zhang Zhun will not hesitate and will simply place a heavy bet. Shi Yue's position has already been made clear, and he casually throws out a trump card: "I have already submitted the memorial related to the Southwest on behalf of Tang Kang to the palace. What is the current situation in Yizhou? I believe it is imperative to investigate thoroughly. The interior of Yizhou is unstable, and to expect the general to achieve merit outside is akin to seeking fish in a tree. What is the current situation in Yizhou? I believe it is imperative to investigate thoroughly. The interior of Yizhou is unstable, and to expect the general to achieve merit outside is akin to seeking fish in a tree. Moreover, if chaos truly erupts in the Sichuan Gorge, who among you can bear the responsibility for this?"

"Sir, this is a matter of heart and mind. I was just about to ask Sir Lu, what exactly was Tang Kang guilty of?" Shi Yue originally intended to wait and see for a while, but as Lu Huiqing's criticism was directed at Tang Kang, he could no longer remain at ease.

At this moment, in the living room of the Shi residence, Shi Yue was savoring tea while listening to Fan Xiang recount anecdotes he had heard during his time as a county magistrate on Hedong Road. "... Zhang Chao, also known as Zhang Jingzhi, was particularly quick-witted and fond of meddling in others' affairs. One year, while passing through Liaozhou, he encountered a Taoist who was sighing deeply and wore a troubled expression. Curious about the reason, he inquired. It turned out that the Taoist was distressed because he could not afford to buy a certificate of ordination. Zhang Jingzhi, laughing, said he could intercede on the Taoist's behalf with the governor. He immediately wrote a letter, instructing the Taoist to take it to the governor the next day. Although the Taoist was somewhat skeptical, he decided to take a chance, treating a dead horse as if it were alive, and indeed took the letter to see the governor. When the governor of Liaozhou saw the Taoist approaching with the letter, he was puzzled, wondering when he had come to know a Zhang Jingzhi from Weihu. He promptly opened the letter, only to find that it had no salutation or closing, but contained a seven-character poem." At this point, Fan Xiang paused deliberately, and Qin Guan, who was engrossed in the story, hurriedly asked, "What did the poem say?"

Naturally, this must be decided by His Majesty. Wen Yanbo certainly understood the implication of his words, but the military situation is extremely urgent. If the two offices each hold their own opinions before the Emperor, would it not merely disturb His Majesty's intentions? As subjects, we should share the burdens of our sovereign. In matters of governance, ministers must prioritize state affairs and should not rigidly adhere to dogma or remain stuck in the past.