Chapter 7, however, most people lack courage

Yue Fan decided to go to Tokyo to see for himself what these most shameless, despicable, and unashamed scholars in Chinese history look like. Are they more like humans or more like dogs? Well, it seems to be about the same. Yue Fan always feels that this is somewhat unfair to dogs, as at least dogs are humanity's most loyal friends, aren't they? Yue Fan even personally raised a dog, named "Snoopy," who is much more loyal than these scholars.

Lin Chong was not surprised at all and nodded, saying: "Then, please rest assured, Uncle and Aunt, I will definitely take them there safely and bring them back safely"

Lin Chong seems to have the intention of inviting his teacher Zhou Tong and his junior disciples Yue Fei and Yue Fan to travel to Dongjing for a while. This time, he has made ample preparations, stating that his family is well-prepared. Although his official position is lowly, his salary is quite generous, and all three men in the family hold official posts, making them financially comfortable. Therefore, he wishes to invite his esteemed teacher and the two junior disciples to enjoy some leisure time in Dongjing.

Father Yue and Mother Yue expressed their gratitude to Lin Chong and agreed on a time for his departure. Lin Chong left the Yue family with a smile. After Lin Chong's departure, Mother Yue began to help Yue Fan and Yue Fei organize their clothing and other necessities for the journey. Although Lin Chong mentioned that everything could be found in Dongjing City at very low prices, and that there was no need for excessive expenditure as he had sufficient income, he declined the offer of money from Father Yue and Mother Yue. Nevertheless, Mother Yue still prepared a hundred guan in notes for Yue Fei and Yue Fan, along with some copper coins and silver for their use on the road. Although Lin Chong said that everything could be found in Dongjing City at very low prices, and that there was no need for excessive expenditure as he had sufficient income, he declined the offer of money from Father Yue and Mother Yue. Nevertheless, Mother Yue still prepared a hundred guan in notes for Yue Fei and Yue Fan, along with some copper coins and silver for their use on the road.

However, Yuefan still wishes to visit Tokyo, to take one last look at this vibrant land, and then turn away without looking back, bidding farewell to this era of opulence and indulgence. The cold clang of gold weapons and the biting chill of the wind will awaken every Song person—wake up, please, do not lie on a woman's belly composing poetry any longer. We have arrived; everything here at hetushu.com is ours, ha ha ha, you are merely slaves!

The prosperity of the economy is not guaranteed by military strength; the Song Dynasty was like a piece of rich, greasy meat! How could it not make the wolves of the steppe drool with envy

Lin Chong nodded with a smile: "Indeed, a good man should aspire to the world. Although the hometown is nice, it is not a place for an ambitious man to stay. Venturing out is definitely better than remaining in the hometown. Xiao Wu, what about you?" Lin Chong then looked at Yue Fei. Seeing that his beloved younger brother had already agreed, as a strong and protective older brother, he felt he should also agree. Moreover, the journey ahead might not be peaceful, and he could protect his brother along the way. As for their parents... they should agree, right?

Yue Fei also thought so, and Lin Chong decided to personally visit the Yue family to discuss matters with Uncle Yue and Aunt Yue. Zhou Tong expressed no objections, so Lin Chong accompanied Yue Fei and Yue Fan to the Yue residence. Uncle Yue and Aunt Yue were just calculating accounts when they saw Lin Chong arrive and immediately stood up to greet him: "Nephew, it has been a long time since we last met. What brings you here today? Did you come from Dongjing?"

In the early Southern Song Dynasty, during such a critical moment, civil officials and military generals still did not forget to indulge themselves. The implications of the Zhao Song family laws for the entire world are evident. To prevent military generals from harboring ambitions of dominance, they were maintained with high official positions and generous salaries, but without power or titles, only money. The same applied to soldiers; they were given no titles or ranks, only money. A significant amount of wealth was spent to support a group of paper tigers, which not only left the state impoverished but also rendered it vulnerable. When the Jurchens advanced southward with their iron-clad forces, these paper tigers could easily be defeated.

Lin Chong replied with a smile: "Indeed, it has been a long time since I last saw my uncle and aunt. I have come today specifically to pay my respects"

Senior brother, I am going! Yue Fan said to Lin Chong

The concept of jiaozi is one that Yue Fan does not trust. The *tu* *shu* only permitted Yue's mother to exchange for one hundred guan of newly issued jiaozi this time. The household consists solely of copper coins or hard currencies such as gold and silver. Due to the economic prosperity of the Song Dynasty, along with the exquisite minting and stable value of its currency, not only during the Song Dynasty but also after the Treaty of Chanyuan, the entire Greater China region, including Liao, Jin, Nanyang, Japan, and Korea, used Song coins. This led to the situation where, regardless of how many copper coins the Song court issued, the issue of "money scarcity" was still listed as an important topic of discussion in the court every year.

Yue could only respond with a series of cold laughs, finding the Zhao-Song family law utterly ridiculous and absurd. Although there were significant differences in the treatment of civil and military officials, one aspect remained the same: their generous salaries. The salaries of officials during the Song Dynasty were the highest in all of ancient China. The Zhao-Song family law consistently attempted to maintain integrity through high salaries, applying equally to both civil and military officials. Particularly concerning military officials, since the practice of relinquishing military power over a cup of wine began, the Zhao-Song emperors would entice military officials with high positions and substantial rewards, lavishing them with wealth to corrupt them. Those who are fond of money develop weaknesses, rendering them no longer a threat. The salaries of officials during the Song Dynasty were the highest in all of ancient China. The Zhao-Song family law consistently attempted to maintain integrity through high salaries, applying equally to both civil and military officials. Particularly concerning military officials, since the practice of relinquishing military power over a cup of wine began, the Zhao-Song emperors would entice military officials with high positions and substantial rewards, lavishing them with wealth to corrupt them. Those who are fond of money develop weaknesses, rendering them no longer a threat.

Senior brother, I, I also agree!" Yue Fei nodded

It is precisely because of this that there is a slight regret regarding Zhao Gou's lack of backbone and courage. The economy of the Song Dynasty was indeed exceptionally strong. Even though the Liao and Jin dynasties could defeat the Song, economically, they were inevitably conquered by the Song. The annual tribute stipulated by the Treaty of Chanyuan and the Qingli Conference, as well as similar agreements, were all returned to the Song through market transactions in the mutually open markets between the Song, Liao, and Xia. In reality, the Song did not suffer any losses due to this mere annual tribute; rather, it provided an opportunity for peaceful development, leading to the flourishing era of China.

Lin Chong then added, "This indeed sounds quite good. How about your whole family taking a trip to Tokyo together?"

Is it correct? Do they have anything to do with the two characters "loyalty"?

Wu Jie and the books were the pillars of support in Shu during the critical early Southern Song period, with one man holding up half of the Southern Song's territory. In the three battles to defend Shu, he made the Jurchens flee in disarray. To be fair, figures like Wanyan Wuzhu were also defeated by him. He defended the Land of Abundance from the ravages of the Jurchens, truly a national hero. However, this renowned general met his end in his later years due to women and elixirs, which is indeed quite ironic.

Throughout the five thousand years of history, this instance of the lower overcoming the upper seems to be unique, doesn't it? ... Finally, finally, the people have risen ...! ... No ...! The officials have sung their praises, and they have thoroughly dealt with the royal family. ... ... ... Hehehehe ...! ... How dare you bully us! How dare you impose your dictatorship ...! How dare you establish hereditary rule. ... ... Huh? What is this subtle feeling? How dare you impose your dictatorship ...! How dare you establish hereditary rule. ... ... Huh? What is this subtle feeling?

However! However! However!

Father Yue and Mother Yue exchanged a glance. Father Yue stroked his beard and let out a sigh, slightly tinged with a sense of apology: "It is rare for my esteemed nephew to offer such goodwill, but alas, the spring plowing is about to begin. With dozens to nearly a hundred acres of farmland at home, as well as the shop in Tangyin County, it is truly unfeasible to leave them unattended. I fear that neither your aunt nor I can go. However, these two ungrateful sons might be able to trouble you, esteemed nephew, to look after them. It would be good for them to see the world in Tokyo. What do you think, esteemed nephew?"

Father Yue said with great joy: "Nephew, you flatter me. Hahaha, these two unruly sons of mine have caused you quite a bit of trouble, and I am the one who feels uneasy. Hahaha, nephew, please come in, please come in!" As he spoke, Father Yue led Lin Chong into the guest hall and then instructed Mother Yue to brew tea to entertain Lin Chong.

The phenomenon of redundant soldiers and officials during the Song Dynasty imposed a heavy burden on the Song court, causing the originally vibrant and potentially limitless development of the Song economy to come to a standstill. Internally, there was little threat, but once faced with external enemies, the consequences were foreseeable.

In recent years, due to the increase in land holdings, and with the prudent management of Mr. and Mrs. Yue, along with private gifts from Magistrate Zhang and financial support from the county government, the Yue family has become relatively wealthy. Yue Fan had Magistrate Zhang assist in establishing the Yue Family Rice Shop in Tangyin County for commercial purposes. Magistrate Zhang also took the initiative to exempt the rice shop from commercial taxes for three years. Therefore, the income for just last year amounted to 600 guan, which translates to approximately 50 guan per month. Since one guan is equivalent to 1,000 coins, this means a monthly income of 50,000 coins, which exceeds the monthly income of many people in the capital.

Yue Fei was just about to nod in agreement when Yue Fan shook his head: "Today is different from the past. Our family’s land has increased, and there is also the rice shop business in the county town. My father and mother will definitely need to stay at home to manage the land, so they will not be able to go with us. As for the two of us, perhaps we can go!"

In the parlor, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Chong finally stated the purpose of his visit: "Uncle, I have come today to invite you and your family to visit Tokyo. Tokyo is bustling and vibrant, and it would be a good opportunity for you and Aunt to see it. Most importantly, I want to take Wulang and Liulang with us to broaden their horizons. As men, it is essential to experience the world; otherwise, they will remain narrow-minded and unable to reach greater heights."

Master Zhou Tong had served in Tokyo in his early years and was quite familiar with the city. However, it was the first time for the two junior disciples. The elders at home often said that children should see more of the world. In the Song Dynasty, the so-called world naturally referred to the bustling capital city. With a population of one million, all trades and industries were thriving, presenting a scene of great prosperity and harmony.

Zhou Tong looked at Yue Fei and Yue Fan, smiled and nodded, stroked his beard, and said: "Alright, alright! If you must go, I will ask General Liu for a leave of absence. I am of an age now, and I do not know if there will be another opportunity after this one, so let us go this time! Fei'er, Fan'er, you two should go back and have a good talk with your parents. Although parents should not travel far, how about bringing them along instead?" Fei'er, Fan'er, you two should go back and have a good talk with your parents. Although parents should not travel far, how about bringing them along instead?

Lin Chong smiled as he turned his gaze to Zhou Tong: "Master, it has been a long time since you last returned, hasn't it? The boxing gym still has many disciples, and both my father and father-in-law would very much like to see you. You could also go back to visit old friends; they all miss you greatly."

Yue Fan has inquired about the current rice price in Tokyo, which is one guan per shi. During the Song Dynasty, one shi was approximately fifty-nine kilograms. The Yue family can purchase three thousand kilograms of rice in a month, which certainly does not qualify them as impoverished. Naturally, they cannot consume all of it themselves. This is only the first year, and Yue Fan advocates for lowering the rice price to support the local villagers. In the future, with a good reputation established and with the assistance of County Magistrate Zhang, they can accumulate sufficient wealth over the next ten years, facilitating their departure from Tangyin to the south towards Lingnan when necessary. This is only the first year, and Yue Fan advocates for lowering the rice price to support the local villagers. In the future, with a good reputation established and with the assistance of County Magistrate Zhang, they can accumulate sufficient wealth over the next ten years, facilitating their departure from Tangyin to the south towards Lingnan when necessary

The Zhao Song royal family was not unkind to the civil officials; Zhao Kuangyin even issued an order prohibiting the execution of civil officials. Yet, in the end, it was precisely those officials who prided themselves on their exceptionalism and constantly proclaimed their loyalty to the emperor and love for the country who betrayed the entire Zhao Song royal family. They forced the emperor to walk into the Jin army's camp, effectively surrendering himself, compelled the empress and concubines to do the same, pressured the princesses and imperial daughters to enter the Jin army's camp, and even coerced the last young crown prince to do so, forcing him to cry out in despair—'People, save me!' It was precisely those officials who betrayed the entire Zhao Song royal family, who prided themselves on their exceptionalism and constantly proclaimed their loyalty to the emperor and love for the country, wielding swords to compel the emperor to surrender to the Jin army, pressuring the empress and concubines to do the same, forcing the princesses and imperial daughters into the Jin army's camp, and even coercing the last young crown prince to enter the Jin army's camp, compelling the young crown prince to cry out in despair—'People, save me!'

During the Song Dynasty, regardless of whether they were civil officials or military generals, there was never a shortage of money. Even renowned generals of the revitalization period, such as Han Shizhong and Wu Yel, were no exception. Han Shizhong had a fondness for women; not only did he maintain a large number of concubines, but he also enjoyed teasing the wives of his subordinates. He often ordered his subordinate officers to bring their wives to accompany him for drinks, which even led to one of his subordinate officers committing suicide over the matter