Chapter 003: Mr. Jia, Place a Bet

Jia Sidao stared at Zhao Jiaren for a while before speaking: "Your father has always been upright. I do not believe this is your father's intention. Jiaren, you are truly wise beyond your years. But are you really willing to let Ding Danian benefit from this?"

After pondering for a while, Jia Sidao made up his mind and said thoughtfully: "If we follow the system, Jiarun could probably serve as a county magistrate. However, given your young age, if you were to be given a real position, it would likely only be as a county lieutenant. This matter I can only entrust to someone else; whether it succeeds or not remains uncertain."

Upon hearing this, Jia Sidao could not help but widen his eyes. Staring at the composed Zhao Jiaran, Jia Sidao felt that this newly minted Jinshi before him was nothing short of a rogue among scholars. It was one thing to lack money when asking someone to do a favor, but even a promissory note could be crafted with such originality. Jia Sidao sighed in a tone devoid of disdain, saying: "Jiaran, I must say, you are quite imaginative."

I am skilled in repairing canals. If Mr. Jia can make Ding Daqian believe..." Zhao Jiaran also replied frankly

Zhao Jiarun understood that the conversation had reached its final stage. He straightened his posture and said with the utmost determination: "Regarding the matter of returning to my hometown to serve as an official, I indeed consulted my father. However, the desire to accomplish tangible work is truly my own wish. Master Jia, after the Mongols destroyed the Jin dynasty, they have been operating in the north for twenty years. Twenty years is sufficient to stabilize the situation; how much longer do you think they can endure this? If they have ulterior motives, who would they be targeting? This is a situation that does not allow for delay, and I believe that only Master Jia in the current court can understand this, which is why I have sought you out. Twenty years is sufficient to stabilize the situation; how much longer do you think they can endure this? If they have ulterior motives, who would they be targeting? This is a situation that does not allow for delay, and I believe that only Master Jia in the current court can understand this, which is why I have sought you out. If Master Jia recommends me, I will certainly be able to achieve some merit, and it will not be said that Master Jia is unable to recognize talent."

Mr. Jia, this matter was decided by me alone, and my father is not aware of it. If he were to find out, he would likely give me a beating or two. Do I look like someone of my age who has savings or property?

Upon hearing this, Jia Sidao let out a hum, as he strongly agreed with Zhao Jiaran's analysis. In the Song Dynasty, it was prohibited for locals to hold official positions, as having locals in power meant that they would become local tyrants when the winds of change blew. To rectify the situation of local tyrants, only an external strong force could suffice. Even so, it was common in the Song Dynasty for strong forces not to suppress local tyrants. As for Zhao Jiaran, a mere thirteen-year-old child, even if he were a successful candidate, he would still be considered weak. If he were thrown into a local position, he would inevitably be devoured by the local figures.

Zhao Jiarun stood up to pour a cup of wine for Jia Sidao, then returned to his seat and continued, "Jia Gong, at present, the scholars and officials are fond of empty talk. However, you, Jia Gong, understand how to take action and know what needs to be done. The Mongols are even more ferocious than the Jin Dynasty. If we continue to indulge in grandiloquent discussions, the outcome will surely be unfavorable. Therefore, I wish to take action and contribute to the Song Dynasty as soon as possible. Among the entire court, the only one who can assist me is you, Jia Gong. Today, I speak boldly in hopes of conveying my sincere intentions to you."

Ding Daquan, as the Left Chancellor, faced immense difficulties. If he could truly repair the canal at this moment, it would immediately become a monumental achievement that would resonate throughout the world. Zhao Jiaran's approach was indeed exceedingly clever

After speaking, Jia Sidao looked at Zhao Jiaran with a smile. What Zhao Jiaran had just said was highly credible, but Jia Sidao was too lazy to verify it. The affairs of the world were already troublesome, and he had no mood to worry about this young child, Zhao Jiaran. Moreover, regardless of how extravagant Zhao Jiaran's words were, there was no sentimentality in officialdom; securing a real position required money.

Looking at Zhao Jiaran's expression of shameless pride in borrowing money, Jia Sidao unexpectedly felt a sense of closeness. Having lost his father at a young age, he had wandered around with his youthful companions during his teenage years, engaging in many reckless acts. Although this little fellow Zhao Jiaran had not yet reached the age of running wild in the streets, at this moment, he did not exhibit the subtlety of a scholar; instead, he was filled with the fierce spirit that echoed through the streets.

Zhao Jiarun's facial muscles were completely relaxed, his fingers interlaced, and his arms comfortably resting on the table. However, if Jia Sidao had the ability to see through, he would notice that Zhao Jiarun's tongue was pressed firmly against the roof of his mouth, with all his emotions being vented there. This action also allowed Zhao Jiarun to display a hint of a smile, preventing this thirteen-year-old child from showing any signs of excitement.

"What does your esteemed father mean by this?" Jia Sidao asked with a slight frown.

"Doing things? Hehe!" Jia Sidao couldn't help but chuckle, "The young man from Jiaran is quite perceptive. Since you can mention doing things, you probably understand how difficult it is to accomplish them"

The right timing and favorable conditions, Zhao Jiaran mentioned the first two, but the third does not need to be reiterated. If Zhao Jiaran could truly return to Fujian to take up an official position, his family is a prominent local household in Quanzhou, with family support, and he would certainly be able to accomplish some matters.

After Zhao Jiaran and others finished laughing with Jia Sidao, he immediately followed up by saying: "The timing must rely on Master Jia, and the geographical advantages also require Master Jia's assistance. At my age, even if I were to be appointed as an official in a local area, I would be like floating duckweed. It is uncertain whether my superiors would tolerate me, and those minor officials below would certainly not regard me highly. If I do not take action, it is fine; however, if I do take action, I will inevitably become a target for criticism. After much contemplation, I realize that returning to Fujian to work is my only chance. But to think of becoming an official in Fujian, without Master Jia's support, is something I can only dream of."

Upon thinking of this, Jia Sidao smiled and said, "Jia Ren, your father has taught you well."

Zhao Jiarun stared at Jia Sidao and replied earnestly: "Indeed, timing, location, and harmony among people are essential. Without these three elements, accomplishing tasks is as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Therefore, I come to seek the assistance of Lord Jia, for he is a high-ranking official. If Lord Jia can provide me with a position, that is the right timing; otherwise, given my current age, I would likely remain in Lin'an, merely a spectacle for others. After they have seen my rarity, they might insincerely praise me as a talented youth, and I would have no choice but to feign humility. Besides wasting my time, it leaves me feeling quite unsatisfied."

Jia Sidao suddenly revealed a cheerful smile, "Jia Ren, you are quite mature for your age. If this matter is to be arranged, the expenses for the back and forth will be considerable. I wonder if your father would agree to it"

Jia Sidao merely snorted coldly after hearing this, yet did not respond immediately. Even if he acknowledged that Zhao Jiaran was correct, Jia Sidao was unwilling to confront such a dire reality. This anger naturally transferred to Zhao Jiaran, who had exposed the truth.

For the sake of others' enjoyment... Haha. Jia Sidao finally let out a cold laugh from the bottom of his heart. His dissatisfaction with Zhao Jiaran was not a personal grudge, and after a while, it had somewhat dissipated. Jia Sidao continued to laugh coldly and asked, "Jiaran has come to me, presumably already filled with longing. However, I wonder where Jiaran wishes to go to hold an official position in order to accomplish something."

What benefit would it bring him? Everyone knows that Lord Jia will be appointed as a minister in a few years. Before his appointment, Lord Jia always needs us to work together with one heart and mind

Since the establishment of Ningde County, the earliest official road is the "Zhuxi Official Road," also known as the "Southern Route." It starts from the southern gate of the county town (Yongning Gate), passes through the present-day Chengnan and Feiluan townships, leads to Luoyuan, and then continues through Lianjiang to reach Fuzhou. Along the way, the terrain is characterized by high mountains and steep slopes, winding and meandering, making it a renowned "dangerous road"

Jia Sidao's expression was grim. Up to this point, the Southern Song Dynasty was very fearful of the Mongols. As Zhao Jiaran mentioned, the Jin Dynasty was considered stronger than the Southern Song before its downfall. Now that the Mongols have destroyed the Jin Dynasty and occupied its former territories, their overall strength is even greater than that of the Jin. This is not merely Zhao Jiaran's personal opinion; it is a prevailing view throughout the court.

No. This is not about borrowing money; it is a gamble. What I am wagering is my own future. Would you, Sir Jia, be willing to take a bet on your insight? Even if I lose the bet, at least I can still recover the money, just a few years later.

Let the servant deliver the letter to the Left Chancellor Ding Daquan, and Jia Sidao could not help but feel a surge of anticipation in his heart. Could this really influence the court's affairs?

Due to special geographical circumstances, the roads leading out of Ningde are all winding and circuitous, making travel inconvenient. The southern route is the only passage to the provincial capital, Fuzhou, and due to the long distance, it is extremely inconvenient to use. After Ding Daquan became the chief clerk of Ningde, he conducted on-site investigations, overcame opposition, and tackled difficulties such as funding, ultimately mobilizing labor to open the famous "Baiheliang Road." The stone steps are layered and wind up the mountain, stretching 10 kilometers in length and one zhang in width. It begins at the stone steps of Luoyuan and enters the boundary of Ningde, passing through Baiheliang Road directly to the county town. Although this road is "high as the sky and steep as a wall," it has significantly shortened the distance to Fuzhou, facilitating the movement of merchants and residents of Ningde and Luoyuan counties.

In less than half an hour, Zhao Jiarun left the parlor of Jia Sidao. Watching Zhao Jiarun depart with a smooth and powerful stride, and glancing at the loan document signed by 'County Lieutenant Zhao Jiarun', Jia Sidao felt somewhat bewildered. Jia Sidao himself had passed the imperial examination at the age of 25 and had encountered many other successful candidates. However, a scholar like Zhao Jiarun was truly unprecedented in his experience. Jia Sidao himself had passed the imperial examination at the age of 25 and had encountered many other successful candidates. However, a scholar like Zhao Jiarun was truly unprecedented in his experience.

"Excavating the canal... Hmph!" Jia Sidao let out a few cold laughs. The current Left Chancellor Ding Daqian rose to prominence precisely because he had successfully opened the Baihe Ridge road

It is not because Zhao Jiaran is shameless, nor is it because Zhao Jiaran is skilled in scheming. Rather, it is that Zhao Jiaran does not give Jia Sidao the impression of being shameless. Even when discussing intrigues and manipulations, even when talking about catering to others' preferences, Zhao Jiaran is clearly intent on doing something substantial. The direction Zhao Jiaran has chosen is also the most difficult approach.

Fully aware of Zhao Jiarun's father's pedantry, Jia Sidao harbored significant doubts about who was actually guiding Zhao Jiarun from behind the scenes. The person providing guidance was undoubtedly a master. Although Jia Sidao genuinely did not wish to assist Zhao Jiarun, he could not help but feel compelled to intervene, considering the steady, precise, and ruthless nature of Zhao Jiarun's behind-the-scenes mentor. It would not be a bad thing to gain clarity on the powerful figure backing Zhao Jiarun during the operation.

Jia Gong, last year I suddenly realized something. People today always compare the current situation with the Six Dynasties, but the present is not the Six Dynasties; it is the era of the Chu-Han contention. Back then, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu had to determine a victor; there was no possibility of two heroes coexisting. Understanding this, when I recall the ferocity of the Mongols and the thought of battling such a formidable enemy, I feel a chill of fear. Just thinking that if our Song Dynasty were to be defeated, I might not even be able to leave behind a complete corpse. Understanding this, when I recall the ferocity of the Mongols and the thought of battling such a formidable enemy, I feel a chill of fear. Just thinking that if our Song Dynasty were to be defeated, I might not even be able to leave behind a complete corpse. At first, I felt fear, then I became so angry that I could hardly contain myself. I wondered where in the world such reasoning could exist.

Jia Sidao hesitated, but Zhao Jiaran readily replied: "It is no trouble. I will write a document signed by County Officer Zhao Jiaran to Lord Jia."

Jia Sidao did not mention expenses; he spoke frankly: "If you want a position, you must make the gentleman believe you are useful. The current gentleman is Ding Daqian. I may not necessarily be able to persuade this person"

"A written document?" Jia Sidao was momentarily taken aback, then could not help but burst into loud laughter, "Jia Ren asks me to do something, yet expects me to pay for it?"

Jia Sidao, upon hearing this, chuckled and said, "Jia Ren, if that is the case, I am also unable to assist."

However, Zhao Jiaran cited the dynastic fortunes of various eras, something that no one had ever dared to do. With his gaze lowered, Jia Sidao felt both anger and fear. Zhao Jiaran had just stated that how could a royal relative and a national kin possibly rebel? It was precisely because both of their interests were tied to the Southern Song; if the Southern Song were to fall, neither would have a good outcome. Zhao Jiaran was not wrong, and this bloody reality made Jia Sidao particularly furious. It was precisely because both of their interests were tied to the Southern Song; if the Southern Song were to fall, neither would have a good outcome. Zhao Jiaran was not wrong, and this bloody reality made Jia Sidao particularly furious. In such anger, Jia Sidao poured himself a glass of wine without raising his head and began to drink it alone.

My father is a person who strictly adheres to rules; at that time, he reprimanded me for my fanciful thoughts

Jia Gong, if you are willing to assist me, would it be acceptable for me to write you an IOU?

Upon considering this, Jia Sidao went to his study, picked up a pen, and wrote a letter to Ding Daqian. Zhao Jiaren provided the ideas, and Jia Sidao, being a genuine Jinshi, soon completed the letter.

With this great achievement, Ding Daquan's reputation soared. However, it was also because Ding Daquan rose to prominence through this that he faced numerous attacks from people targeting 'Baihelingshan Road'. In Jia Sidao's view, these attackers had reached a level of madness. Various claims emerged, even completely disregarding Confucius's stance of 'not speaking of strange forces and chaotic spirits'.

Zhao Jiaran has a keen understanding of matters, and he continues to push forward. "Regardless of whether this matter succeeds or fails, I will always remember the friendship of Jia Gong. If I can be of assistance to Jia Gong in the future, I hope Jia Gong will not hesitate to ask. However, the amount of exchange notes required still needs to be clarified by Jia Gong."