Section 1

"A double agent?" Zhiyuan's words were left unfinished as Shi Yue's laughter echoed from outside the courtyard

Lv Huiqing stood up involuntarily, pacing back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back, contemplating countermeasures. Wen Yanbo's move was too brilliant. If Fan Churen were to go to Yizhou, the emperor would surely grant him greater power. With Fan Churen's capabilities, the scars of Yizhou would undoubtedly be thoroughly exposed, and he could also accumulate more prestige and qualifications, naturally positioning himself as another leader of the old party in the future. Even if one day it becomes impossible to prevent Shi Yue from returning to the political hall, Fan Churen would have enough capital to stand on equal footing with Shi Yue. If Fan Churen were to go to Yizhou, the emperor would surely grant him greater power. With Fan Churen's capabilities, the scars of Yizhou would undoubtedly be thoroughly exposed, and he could also accumulate more prestige and qualifications, naturally positioning himself as another leader of the old party in the future. Even if one day it becomes impossible to prevent Shi Yue from returning to the political hall, Fan Churen would have enough capital to stand on equal footing with Shi Yue. In this case, even if he gives up the opportunity to take over Lantai, it would not be a big deal. To take something, one must first give something!

Whether it is Wen Yanbo or Sima Guang, the court still cannot do without them. The Emperor will not approve either

The patrol along the edge and the observation of the wind? Both Pan Zhaolin and Zhiyuan were taken aback.

However, from Shi Yue's perspective, having been in hiding for several years, he is not a person who is indifferent to fame and fortune. Given such a fortuitous opportunity, how could he be content to watch it slip away before his eyes? Shi Yue has painstakingly managed his affairs for over a decade; if one were to say he lacks the ambition to take charge of the political hall, it would be hard for anyone to believe. Therefore, this time, Shi Yue is particularly concerned about the selection of the observer, otherwise, he could simply watch Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang, and Lü Huiqing engage in their power struggles. Human emotions are highly variable; when a person has not yet fully developed their wings, if they can use the hands of others to promote their own ideas, they will regard it as a significant victory and be very satisfied. However, once they have fully developed their wings, even if it is just a matter of folding them for a while and not being able to stretch, they will feel greatly constrained. The desire to extend one's wings without reservation can sometimes truly overshadow everything else.

Lu Huiqing was instantly stunned, and Chen Yuanfeng was also taken aback by her own speculation. The hall fell into a deathly silence in an instant. Both of them understood that Feng Jing was not to be feared; if it were truly Shi Yue... Given Shi Yue's current reputation and qualifications, even if Lu Huiqing tried her utmost to prevent this appointment, the chances of success would be slim. With Tang Kang's memorial being submitted to the inner court, coupled with the mutiny of the Xiongwu Army, the death of Zhong Zhe at the front, and the death of the governor of Yizhou in battle, it was impossible for the emperor not to harbor suspicions about the situation in Yizhou. Regardless of how the situation in Yizhou developed, if Shi Yue were truly dispatched, it would be akin to a reassurance for both the court and the emperor himself—though extremely reluctant, both of them had to admit this point in their hearts. In fact, the so-called 'reputation' and 'qualifications,' if described more intuitively, mean that when a certain crisis arises, people feel an inexplicable sense of reassurance upon seeing him. Shi Yue possesses such an ability, which cannot be denied.

"This is the item." Zhi Yuan stood up and bent down, slowly lifting the red silk. Beneath the red silk, he discovered a silver box that was two feet tall, adorned with various gemstones. Just looking at this box, it was already extraordinarily precious. Zhi Yuan gently touched the silver box, and suddenly pressed down with both hands. Unbeknownst to him, he triggered some mechanism, and with a 'pop', the silver box opened, revealing a white jade pagoda inside.

"Young Master," at this moment, Pan Zhaolin suddenly spoke, "Rather than futilely speculating about the candidates of Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang, it would be better to recommend a candidate that Lu, Wen, and Ma cannot refuse."

If it is a quick solution to a tangled problem... Chen Yuanfeng suddenly had a bright idea and said: "Could it be Sima Guang himself?"

In a tranquil courtyard, Zhiyuan and Pan Zhaolin sat at separate stone tables, each holding black and white pieces, engaged in a fierce battle on the nineteen-route board. Zhiyuan maintained a gentle smile, while Pan Zhaolin, with his eyes slightly closed, wore an expressionless face. Both remained calm and composed, placing their pieces with remarkable speed, showing no signs of hesitation. However, the young monk and the scholar standing behind them watched anxiously as the two faced off, each attempting to outmaneuver the other. They could see that a single misstep could lead to a complete defeat, causing them to break into a cold sweat.

The boundary patrol observed the wind. Chen Yuanfeng's hand trembled involuntarily as she served tea, "I fear that Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang will not easily let this matter rest. These individuals are certain to take advantage of this to make a big deal out of it. My husband must not be careless..."

As the scholar stated, Zhiyuan pondered and said, "Mr. Pan, who do you think will be recommended by Master Wen and Lord Sima..." Before he could finish his sentence, he noticed that Pan Zhaolin had already begun to frown in deep thought, so he refrained from saying more

Zhi Yuan and Pan Zhao Lin quickly rose to greet him, while Shi Yue approached with a smile, performing a respectful bow to Zhi Yuan, and said: "Master, I hope you have been well."

Oh, how does Renhō say?

However, he himself may not be willing to go, and it is necessary to have a capable advocate. Pan Zhaolin did not immediately reveal that person's name, and furthermore, this is a risky move

Pan Zhaolin exclaimed, "To be so generous after merely building a bridge, it seems that the Gaochang Uighurs must be exceedingly wealthy, and the Western Xia has certainly struck it rich this time. However, the position of this Chan Master is quite intriguing..."

Oh? Shi Yue's eyelid suddenly twitched

Chen Yuanfeng pondered for a moment before saying, "Could it be Lü Gongzhu?"

In an instant, Pan Zhaolin gazed at the pagoda in the box, almost speechless

Lv Huiqing nodded in appreciation and smiled, saying: "What you worry about is indeed valid. However, what you do not know is that Pu Chuanzheng is someone who loves to indulge in extravagance. He consumes ten sheep and ten pigs for his three meals each day, and he uses three hundred candles every night. Even for washing, there are distinctions between small and large face washes, small and large foot washes, small and large baths, and each time he bathes, he requires five hu of hot water... Although these are merely trivial matters, they are particularly concerning at a time when the national treasury is strained, and the Emperor has repeatedly cut down on palace expenditures. Moreover, Sima Junshi has recommended several impetuous censors, who, upon entering the Lantai, immediately impeach Pu Chuanzheng for his excessive indulgence in wine and women, extravagance, and construction of houses beyond regulations, with solid evidence presented in successive memorials. The Emperor may not convict him on this account, but if he wishes to maintain his favor, he must achieve more merits. Otherwise, it is hard to say how many more days he can remain as a Hanlin scholar, let alone take charge of the ministry. Furthermore, regarding the events in Yizhou back then, Pu Chuanzheng was also a strong supporter. When one flourishes, all flourish; when one suffers, all suffer. If something truly goes wrong..." Lv Huiqing smiled faintly and said no more.

If one can overthrow oneself in one fell swoop, then the old party can achieve its greatest victory since the second year of Xining

What a good saying, "It is better to resolve enmity than to deepen it!" Zhi Yuan commented, "Unfortunately, the officials of the court only think about eliminating evil completely and eradicating this source of trouble, fearing that raising a tiger will lead to disaster.

I have a perfect plan," Lü Huiqing said with a smile, "However, this matter will still require the hard work of Lǚ Shàn.

"This is a bribe intended for the poor monk," Zhiyuan said calmly

Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang had no reason to share their victories with others, especially not with an opponent like Shi Yue. With Shi Yue's return, Lü Huiqing could not see anyone from the old faction who could counterbalance him. If the roles were reversed, Lü Huiqing believed that if he were the leader of the old faction, even without any selfish motives, simply refraining from deliberately suppressing Shi Yue would already be considered a great act of benevolence. Assisting him in making a comeback was absolutely out of the question. Among the younger generation of the old faction, the most promising was Fan Churen. Having served as the Deputy Minister of Personnel, he was responsible for military supplies during the campaign against Xia, ensuring the provision of necessary resources and achieving great merit. He possessed qualifications, achievements, knowledge, talent, and impeccable character, along with considerable personal charisma. His father, Fan Zhongyan, was a renowned minister of the Qingli era, which naturally endowed him with the intangible political legacy left by his father. It was precisely for this reason that Sima Guang held high hopes for him and made every effort to help him take charge of the Lantai. Lü Huiqing also regarded him as the greatest political rival in the old faction, aside from Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang.

The young monk hesitated for a moment, glancing at Zhiyuan and then at Pan Zhaolin, before finally responding, "Yes." He quickly stepped back out. Before long, he returned, carefully holding a wooden tray covered with red silk in both hands.

"Your humble servant is honored. " Zhiyuan smiled and pointed at the white jade pagoda, saying, "Having received such a significant gift from Chanshan, I, a poor monk, feel embarrassed to accept it without giving something in return. Therefore, I instructed the envoy to inform Master Xia to wait patiently for a year, as there will surely be a turning point in this matter. However, I did not expect that my efforts would ultimately be in vain, and this white jade pagoda now belongs to Mr. Pan. " As he spoke, he waved his hand to the young monk, who, along with Pan Zhaolin's attendant, quickly retreated quietly. However, I did not expect that my efforts would ultimately be in vain, and this white jade pagoda now belongs to Mr. Pan. " As he spoke, he waved his hand to the young monk, who, along with Pan Zhaolin's attendant, quickly retreated quietly. Although both were trusted individuals, Zhiyuan knew that Shiyue's sudden visit to the Great Xiangguo Temple was anything but simple

Is the face of the court truly worth more than the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers? Moreover, it seems we might have to risk getting involved in a major rebellion in Yizhou!

Lu Gongzhu? Lu Gongzhu... Former Deputy Minister of the Privy Council, Lu Gongzhu, was also a well-known minister of the old faction, who had consistently opposed the Huizong's policy of assimilation during the Xining era. Due to issues arising from his clan's management of military settlements in Huguang, he was impeached and subsequently sent by Lü Huaiqing to serve as the governor of Daming Prefecture, while also overseeing the nearby fortifications equipped with artillery. Lü Huaiqing pondered this name, furrowing his brow in deep thought for a long time, and then decisively stated: "It is not him. Lu Gongzhu was sent to Daming Prefecture due to offenses; to employ him now would only stir up further troubles. I believe Wen and Ma are thinking of cutting through the chaos swiftly!"

Pan Zhaolin smiled and said, "What use do I have for this item of the Buddhist sect? It is better to leave it with Master. When the day comes that I run out of money, I will come to Master for alms." Having said this, he noticed that Shi Yue had already taken a seat, so he ceased his idle chatter. He sat down beside Shi Yue and added, "I have already met He Wei."

Zhi Yuan hurriedly performed a deep bow, "Scholar, I hope you have been well since we last met"

Zhi Yuan smiled faintly and said: "Chan Shan may reside in the empty gate, yet his heart is that of a Confucian scholar. The saying goes, 'A scholar dies for those who understand him.' The ruler of Xia shares his garments and food, and he follows every plan and listens to every word. With such treatment, even an iron man would be softened. Moreover, although he provides strategies for the ruler of Xia, he has not openly betrayed the court. Over the years, the court has often been able to discern the crucial realities of the Western Xia, largely thanks to him. However, observing his increasing caution, his connections with the Ministry of Personnel, and his refusal to leave any incriminating evidence, it is evident that Chan Shan is indeed wavering between Song and Xia. I believe he is likely always prepared to become a loyal minister to the ruler of Xia... Furthermore, although he provides strategies for the ruler of Xia, he has not openly betrayed the court. Over the years, the court has often been able to discern the crucial realities of the Western Xia, largely thanks to him. However, observing his increasing caution, his connections with the Ministry of Personnel, and his refusal to leave any incriminating evidence, it is evident that Chan Shan is indeed wavering between Song and Xia. I believe he is likely always prepared to become a loyal minister to the ruler of Xia..."

Indeed, it is a treasure tower! At this moment, Pan Zhaolin could no longer find any other words to express his admiration

"It is not Shi Yue." As if sensing the doubts in Chen Yuanfeng's heart, Lu Huiqing said lightly, "It is Fan Chunren."

Chen Yuanfeng quickly placed the teacup back on the table and bowed, saying: "I am at your service, my lord"

He spoke the truth. Those closely related to Shi Yue, or the so-called "Shi Party" ministers, such as Su Shi who was far away in the Liao state, need not be mentioned; Zhang Zhun had just returned from Shaanxi, and it was unreasonable to send him to Yizhou as an envoy to observe the situation; Shen Kuo had just taken office at the Water Conservancy Bureau; the others like Han Wei, Su Song, and Liu Xiang were also not suitable for this position—after all, this envoy to observe the border was not a desirable post, and it is not as if one can simply recommend someone and expect them to be willing to go. Currently, Han Wei is a Hanlin Academician, rumored to soon be appointed as Deputy Chief of the Privy Council, and may even become a Minister of one of the Six Ministries; Su Song is the Prefect of Kaifeng; Liu Xiang has been transferred to be the Transport Commissioner of Hebei, which can be considered a local lord—no one would be willing to go to Yizhou, a place of disputes, to take on such a contentious position. There may be some who would be willing to go, but they may not necessarily be able to—Su Zhe, who was the Minister of Works, was sent to govern a locality; although it was quite normal for officials in the Song dynasty to be shuffled around, he could not possibly harbor no resentment towards Lü Huaiqing, and this was also a good opportunity for him to make a comeback. If he were to be recommended, Shi Yue believed he would certainly rush to take up the post day and night. However, how could Lü Huaiqing allow him to go to Shu? ... Shi Yue also considered using Zeng Bu, but Zeng Bu had been abroad for ten years, and he might not even know the title of Transport Commissioner of Yizhou ... What right did he have to override the opinions of others? As for Tang Di, Cai Bian, Feng Ji, Cai Jing, and others, their prestige and qualifications were insufficient; there are countless officials of similar qualifications in the Song court, measured by carts and bushels, and they are not worth mentioning at all.

"I see," Chen Yuanfeng said with a smile, "In that case, he will certainly not decline. He is originally from Langzhou in Yizhou and has served as the observing official in Kuizhou, well-acquainted with the situation in the southwest. Moreover, he has investigated the Jinghu and Lianglu regions, which has received the Emperor's approval. Furthermore, during the years of peace, due to floods and earthquakes, he submitted memorials discussing these matters, reprimanding the ministers, the palace, and the eunuchs. Since that time, the Emperor has recognized him as a candid official... He is indeed an excellent candidate. In my view, the current Emperor places great importance on the relationship between the sovereign and his ministers, and he cherishes talented individuals. Pu Chuanzheng is currently at a time when his favor is neither waning nor fading; the Emperor trusts his character and abilities, and perhaps he is considering giving him another opportunity. ..." While analyzing for Lü Huiqing, Chen Yuanfeng repeatedly exclaimed, "Wonderful! Wonderful!"

He Lianfang still has lingering thoughts about Dali, Shi Yue said with a smile

Oh? Pan Zhaolin still did not avert his gaze, but there was now a hint of teasing in his tone

Daxiangguo Temple. The largest royal Buddhist temple of the empire. The precious tower and throne are magnificent, and the sound of the bells is melodious

Lü Huiqing felt a sudden realization; in an instant, he understood who the candidates were between Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang! The purpose of pushing Fan Churen into the Lantai was to use the Lantai to undermine himself. But if he could be driven out of office, what need was there for Fan Churen to enter the Lantai? Fan Churen's qualifications, abilities, and achievements were impeccable; he was well-versed in both civil and military affairs, had extensive experience in military supplies during the campaign against the Xia, and had also been on several official missions to Yizhou, making him quite familiar with the region. Most importantly, he had previously served as the Deputy Minister of Personnel, giving him a good understanding of the officials in Yizhou! In both the court and the public sphere, Lü Huiqing truly could not find anyone more competitive than Fan Churen!

There is indeed a candidate," Pan Zhaolin said slowly, squinting his eyes as he looked at Shi Yue

However, having only Pu Chuanzheng is not sufficient for stability. Lv Huiqing said, "Reflecting on today's events, I still feel a sense of unease. Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang will certainly make a case regarding this selection. If we consider the perspective of Lushan, who would these individuals recommend?"

However, from the perspective of the students, He Wei's words are indeed the truth. Pan Zhaolin said lightly, a sarcastic smile unconsciously appearing at the corner of his mouth, "Currently, there are some people in the court who, even if you opened a map for them, might not be able to find where the Southwestern Barbarians are—some fools actually believe that the Southwestern Barbarians are near Chengdu! These individuals are ignorant of military affairs, unacquainted with geography, and unaware of local customs; they are utterly uninformed yet still enjoy making reckless comments, spending their days claiming that the Southwestern generals are incompetent and the soldiers useless. There are also some self-righteous individuals who shake their heads and wag their tails every day, talking about how Di Qing defeated the Nongs and how brilliant he was; and how, in previous years, the defeat of the Qidi was so remarkable, when in fact it is all hearsay, complete nonsense... The court should really throw these people into Luzhou and see what they have to say then? In comparison, although He Wei's words are disappointing, they are nonetheless the words of someone knowledgeable about military matters. Without personally going to the Southwest to observe the situation of the rebels and our side, it is indeed difficult to formulate any strategies. The so-called Dali Kingdom and such are merely words spoken in anger; what He Wei actually means is simply 'it is better to pacify than to suppress.' The Southwestern Barbarians may not necessarily have rebellious intentions; opposing the court is harmful and unbeneficial to them. Their uprising is merely a result of the court's improper strategies, forcing them to react.

Although the Western Zhou Uighurs are separated by difficult roads, they have always acknowledged allegiance to China. They refer to themselves as 'the nephews of the Western Zhou' and address the Emperor as 'the great official of the Han family.' Since the Western Xia intends to plot the annexation of Gaochang, they earnestly request the court to reappoint them as the king of Western Xia to ease the relations between the two countries, which is an imperative action. Moreover, the ancestral tombs of the Bingchang family are all under my control, and out of duty and propriety, they must seek permission from the court to send people back to clean and pay respects. The Chanshan have sent people to bribe me, hoping that I will help them establish connections so that they can bribe the court officials.

What if it is Feng Jing? Or, perhaps it is Shi Yue?

Lv Huiqing certainly despises this kind of "hypocritical" insincerity. However, the question is, when it is evident that the "gentlemen" are likely to achieve a complete victory, what reason do Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang have to allow Shi Yue the opportunity for a comeback

Chen Yuanfeng had no idea that Lü Huiqing had already entertained countless thoughts in her mind. When she suddenly shifted the topic back, he was momentarily taken aback. After a while, he finally said: "Wang Zhongzheng?"

Not bad

Lu Huiqing did not provide further explanation. Suddenly, he felt a wave of fatigue wash over him. Drinking poison to quench thirst! Knowing full well it was drinking poison to quench thirst, he had no choice. He had already made the resolute decision to sever his own wrist; no matter what, he would not allow Fan Churen to go to Yizhou, and he would never let Fan Churen build his achievements over his own corpse! Even if it meant drinking poison to quench thirst, as long as he could temporarily keep the scars of the Yizhou route from being exposed, as long as he could endure this hurdle, and as long as there was a military victory, he had not yet reached a dead end. Lu Huiqing understood better than anyone that if he could endure for another year, at most two years, Hexi would be basically consolidated, Shaanxi could be restored, and the pressure on the Song Dynasty would be reduced by half. At that time, he could devote all his efforts to eradicate those damned southwestern barbarians!

He gazed blankly at the chessboard, shook his head, and instructed the little monk beside him, "Go, bring the pagoda."

However, even Fan Chunren cannot be compared to Shi Yue

Pan Zhaolin was naturally very familiar with these matters. He gazed intently at the magnificent work of art before him and asked, "How did it come into the hands of the master?"

Shiyue briefly introduced the situation of the Wenfu Conference, stating: "The inspection envoy of Yizhou, who observes the border and the wind, is not merely related to the position of Lü Huiqing alone; it actually involves the safety of the entire Yizhou region and the fate of the Song Dynasty over several decades! It is imperative to choose the right person carefully..."

However, although on the surface it appears that Shi Yue and the old party are allies, the sidelined Shi Yue and the old party, which holds considerable power in the court, each have their own plans. Although the old party does not harbor hostility towards Shi Yue, given his current qualifications, immense prestige, and achievements, they cannot be completely without apprehension—such a figure, once he re-enters the Ministry of Personnel, would be like a dragon returning to the sea or a tiger entering the mountains; where he might go in the future is something even the astute and experienced Wen Yanbo or the erudite Sima Guang would find difficult to predict. With Wen Yanbo soon to retire and Sima Guang aging, there are only a few capable individuals in the old party, such as Fan Chunren, while Shi Yue is in the prime of his life. Both Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang are far-sighted individuals, and they cannot help but consider who will balance Shi Yue in the future. Therefore, they will certainly hope to cultivate successors as much as possible, accumulating more political capital for the old party—which they see as the 'gentlemen'.

This is the clever scheme of Wen Yanbo! What excuse can he use to prevent Fan Chunren from going to Yizhou? ... Unless ... ... unless he finds a "more important matter" for Fan Chunren, but if he does so, it will be difficult for him to find an excuse to stop him from entering Lantai again—this is no different from drinking poison to quench thirst. The power of the Deputy Censor-in-Chief is well known to everyone who has ever served as Prime Minister in the Song Dynasty.

Suddenly, Pan Zhaolin opened his eyes, smiling as he glanced at Zhiyuan. Zhiyuan, who had been wearing a constant smile, involuntarily shivered. He then saw Pan Zhaolin slowly place a piece on the board and say with a smile, "Master, I concede to you." Zhiyuan shifted his gaze back to the chessboard and noticed that with this one move, the large dragon that had been relentlessly pursued by him had now connected with a black piece in the corner, while his own large dragon was instead trapped in a siege by the black pieces. Realizing that defeat was inevitable, Zhiyuan could not help but let out a long sigh and resigned.

Lv Huiqing suddenly stopped and said in a deep voice: "Recommending Pu Chuanzheng is merely a superficial tactic; in addition, it is necessary to formally recommend Wang Xilie as the observer of the situation!"

Chen Yuanfeng hurriedly said: "It is not inappropriate. However, Pu Chuanzheng has been promoted from the position of Zhi Zhi Gao to Hanlin Scholar and Concurrent Reader, and now he is also jointly compiling the national history of two dynasties. The Emperor has great trust in him, and there are rumors outside that Pu Chuanzheng will eventually enter the Ministry of Personnel. The students are concerned that he may not be willing to go..."

It only takes one year

However, is it possible that Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang would recommend Shi Yue

Pan Zhaolin shook his head and said: "Since the Pingqi Rebellion, he has not returned to the Southwest. Given the current situation, He Wei cannot come up with a good strategy. The lands inhabited by the Southwest barbarians are characterized by continuous mountains and treacherous terrain. At present, the timing, geographical advantages, and support of the people are all against us; even a deity would not be able to win this battle. He Wei believes that stabilizing the Southwest is easy; all it takes is an imperial edict, and the Southwest will surely submit. If we must resort to military action, it would be better to mobilize forces to eliminate the Dali Kingdom. Destroying the Dali Kingdom is easy, but pacifying the Southwest barbarians is difficult!"

However, these principles are understood by Lü Huiqing, but Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang may not necessarily comprehend them. Even if they do understand, they would likely dismiss them with disdain. This is because they consider themselves "gentlemen," and the so-called "gentlemen" are most fond of forcing the emperor to do things he is unwilling to do. Even if they are fully aware of the emperor's intentions, they would disdain to accommodate him and would instead hold greater respect for their own inner so-called "principles"

Chen Yuanfeng hesitated briefly in his heart before cupping his fists and responding, "Rest assured, my lord." He was unaware of the depth of the relationship between Wang Zhongzheng and Lü Huiqing, but he understood that it was highly taboo for a chancellor to recommend a eunuch. Such matters, of course, should be handled by others. However, Chen Yuanfeng was deeply skeptical; although Wang Zhongzheng was also a trusted eunuch of the emperor, having gained prominence since the reign of Emperor Renzong for his contributions in quelling rebellions and protecting the emperor, with extensive experience and a deep background, how could a mere eunuch compare to Shi Yue? Chen Yuanfeng was deeply skeptical; although Wang Zhongzheng was also a trusted eunuch of the emperor, having gained prominence since the reign of Emperor Renzong for his contributions in quelling rebellions and protecting the emperor, with extensive experience and a deep background, how could a mere eunuch compare to Shi Yue?

"What troubles can the Western Xia bring in several decades? After several decades, what should the court fear from the Western Xia?" Shi Yue laughed and said, "If future generations lack ability, no matter how great the family fortune, it can be squandered; if future generations possess ability, even the current modest family fortune is sufficient to be entrusted to posterity"

Shiyue was aware that Pan Zhaolin was always sharp-tongued, but he did not take it to heart. He merely smiled and did not respond to his sarcastic remarks, saying: "I also know that pacification is better than suppression. However, even if the court issues an edict, it cannot transform the conflicts in the southwest into peace and harmony; such an edict cannot be issued!"

The emperor may not be pleased to see such a situation, but what he truly values is who can help him govern the country well. The current state of the nation has greatly improved compared to the beginning of the Xining era. If the old faction can prove itself within a year or two, it is not impossible for the emperor to lean towards the old faction again. Wen Yanbo is aging, Sima Guang is also quite ill, and the remaining old ministers, after a long period of neglect and suppression, have very limited prestige. The younger members of the old faction pose no threat to the emperor. Therefore, even if it means changing the strategy that has kept the new and old factions evenly matched for nearly a decade, it is not out of the question to allow the old faction to grow larger and the new faction to shrink in order to restrain them. Over the past decade, Lü Huaiqing has long understood that if the country can progress on a good path, the emperor prefers his ministers to restrain each other rather than engage in a life-and-death struggle. The emperor's actions to suppress the old faction at the beginning of the Xining era were merely sacrifices made for long-term political benefits at the expense of short-term gains. Even so, the emperor still went to great lengths to arrange for the old faction's senior officials to retire in the western capital, employing a more subtle method to restrain the new faction, which almost holds absolute power.

Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang are determined to succeed, while Lü Huiqing is also unwilling to give up easily. What good candidates do I have to take risks in this situation?" Shi Yue said with a bitter smile

Fan Chunren? How... how is that possible?

This is a seven-tiered jade pagoda carved entirely from translucent white jade. From each brick and tile of the pagoda body to the Buddha statues and decorations within, as well as the wind chimes at the corners of the pagoda, every detail is exquisitely crafted, truly a marvel of artistry. The colors used in the jade pagoda's decorations are all inlaid with various gemstones, creating a shimmering effect that captivates the eye.

Pan Zhaolin gazed at the small monk's treasured item and carefully placed the wooden tray onto the board, casting a lingering glance at the contents within. He then folded his arms and stepped aside, feeling a sense of amusement within. He pointed at the red silk and laughed, "Is this the white jade pagoda that the Chan Master of the Western Xia sent to the Master?" The "Chan Master of the Western Xia" he referred to was actually a spy from the Song Dynasty, originally named "Mingkong." After Bingchang migrated westward, Bingchang honored him as the "National Master." He pointed at the red silk and laughed, "Is this the white jade pagoda that the Chan Master of the Western Xia sent to the Master?" The "Chan Master of the Western Xia" he referred to was actually a spy from the Song Dynasty, originally named "Mingkong." After Bingchang migrated westward, Bingchang honored him as the "National Master."

I know that Lǚ Shàn can assist me. Lǚ Huìqīng nodded in satisfaction and smiled, then looked around and saw that the servants were keeping their distance outside the hall, which made him feel at ease as he said: "Observing the wind and acting accordingly, I will formally recommend Pú Chuánzhèng. Pú Chuánzhèng has previously inspected the Jing and Hu routes, and after reporting on the labor fees for Chén and Yuán as well as the taxes in Hunan, he has gained considerable reputation both in the court and among the people. The Emperor has praised him in my presence several times..." At this point, he suddenly noticed Chén Yuánfèng's lips moving slightly, as if she had something to say, so he paused and asked: "Does Lǚ Shàn think there is anything inappropriate?"

From Zhiyuan's observation, it is evident that Shiyue believes that only he has the capability to manage the current situation

"Sometimes mistakes have already been made, and one can only accept them as they are," Shi Yue said with a bitter smile. "Lu Huaiqing thinks this way, and so do Wen Yanbo and Sima Guang. If I were in their position, I would surely think the same. What is the role of a chancellor? The chancellor is the official who weighs the importance of matters in the world! If one only considers immediate gains and losses, then that is a mediocre chancellor. Lu Huaiqing's implementation of the Xining policy of assimilation was indeed flawed, but his stubborn adherence to that policy was not a mistake—if we concede now, it would not only mean the loss of previous achievements, but also that the thousands of miles in the southwest would no longer belong to us. Lu Huaiqing's mistake was merely in not properly considering his own advancement and retreat, and intentionally concealing the true situation in Yizhou, hoping to win by chance. However, what Brother Qian Guang said is not without reason; if we truly gamble the safety of Yizhou, the court cannot afford to lose. For this reason, we must choose wisely in selecting officials to patrol the borders and gauge the situation..."

Lü Huiqing looked at Chen Yuanfeng with a smile, and a hint of vigilance flashed through his mind, but he soon felt at ease. After so many years as the Prime Minister, he had many disciples and followers, but only a few truly caught his eye. Among them, Chen Yuanfeng stood out as exceptional, capable of drawing inferences from one instance to another, and demonstrating remarkable intelligence. However, he was sometimes a bit frivolous. Most importantly, Lü Huiqing knew that Chen Yuanfeng's future was tied to him, and he did not worry about him betraying him. Yet, despite this, when facing this trusted disciple, Lü Huiqing still spoke with a degree of reservation.

This white jade pagoda originally belonged to the Lion King of Gaochang. It was used by the Gaochang Uighurs as a bribe to the Master Chan Shan after the Battle of Yizhou in the sixteenth year of the Xining era, in order to seek peace with the ruler of Xia

Around the same time. The residence of Lü Huiqing

He saw Shi Yue walk straight towards the white jade pagoda, examining it for a while, and praised, "Indeed a fine treasure." Turning to Zhi Yuan, he smiled and said, "In fact, Chan Shan need not be so vigilant. If he truly turns to the Western Xia, even if the Ministry of Personnel insists he is a court official, the Western Xia ruler would only see it as a scheme to sow discord. The more the Ministry of Personnel wishes to eliminate him, the more secure his position in Western Xia will become. Moreover, the court cannot simply condemn him to death because of his betrayal. Given his influence over the Western Xia ruler, if he truly offends him, wouldn't that invite border troubles for no reason? Even if the court is not afraid of the Western Xia people now, it is better to resolve enmities than to deepen them. Creating unrest at the borders is certainly not a good thing.

After the westward migration of the Western Xia, they began to adopt a strategy of paying homage to the Song and Liao dynasties, leveraging the power of China to operate in the Western Regions. Although they were rejected by the Song dynasty, they received a title from the Liao state. The Liao ruler, fearing the loss of his own power, not only returned the refugees who had fled from Western Xia to Liao over the years and the captives taken by Liao, but also conferred the title of princess upon a member of the royal family, marrying her to Bingchang, who was then established as king. As part of the dowry for this Liao princess, the Liao ruler gifted Bingchang one thousand elite cavalry and two thousand slaves, which was also one of the reasons why the Song dynasty never relaxed its efforts to consolidate its control over Hexi. The improvement in Liao-Xia relations accelerated the recovery of Western Xia's strength. In the sixteenth year of the Xining era, Bingchang first launched a large-scale personal campaign, decisively defeating the disorganized Huangtou Huigu, bringing over ten thousand Huigu households under his rule. Then, riding on the momentum of his victory over the Huangtou Huigu, the Yerin brothers led their troops westward into Xizhou. Faced with the battle-hardened cavalry of Western Xia, the Huigu of Xizhou were no match. Moreover, the Western Xia army possessed Liao-made thunderous bombs and other firearms that the Huigu of Xizhou had never encountered before. The tens of thousands of troops of the Lion King of Gaochang engaged in a fierce battle with the Western Xia army in Yizhou, but were defeated by the Yerin brothers, who achieved victory against the odds. Meanwhile, another regime of the Huigu in Xizhou—the Kucha Huigu regime—was plundered by the shortsighted Heihan state, leaving them unable to rescue Gaochang. As a result, the Lion King of Gaochang had no choice but to submit to the Xia ruler and seek peace. Following the battle in Yizhou, Western Xia not only regained its prestige in the Western Regions but also shocked the capital Bianjing.

In an instant, Lü Huiqing felt that she had touched the core of the issue—neither Shi Yue nor Feng Jing belonged to the old party! Shi Yue had established his own faction, while Feng Jing was a centrist navigating between the new and old factions and Shi Yue. His inclination towards the old party or Shi Yue was likely something even he himself found difficult to determine which side he was closer to

This is not only about the face of the court, but also about the court's prestige!" Shi Yue replied, "If this edict is issued after repeated defeats in battle, what is the difference from the alliance at the city gates? Moreover, who can guarantee that after the edict is issued, all the tribes will be willing to submit? If three or four tribes refuse to comply, and the court is still unable to suppress them, it would be a humiliation, only making the southwestern tribes even more contemptuous of the court. Unless it is absolutely necessary—regardless, as long as the situation in Yizhou can still be controlled, the court must first seek military victory. If three or four tribes refuse to comply, and the court is still unable to suppress them, it would be a humiliation, only making the southwestern tribes even more contemptuous of the court. Unless it is absolutely necessary—regardless, as long as the situation in Yizhou can still be controlled, the court must first seek military victory. After achieving victory, then consider other means.

This is no different from gambling with Yizhou. Pan Zhaolin bluntly criticized, "Lu Huiqing deceives both superiors and subordinates; who can truly know the state of affairs in Yizhou? If something like Wang Xiaobo and Li Shun were to occur, not even the iron of the nine provinces could rectify this mistake"