Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 372 Jia Changchao's Stronghold
The sun had set, but the hall of state affairs was still brightly lit by candlelight.

The four ministers—Prime Minister Wen Yanbo, Vice Minister Fu Bi, Vice Chancellor Wang Yaochen, and Zeng Gongliang—are discussing matters.

The report on the table was the investigation report sent back from Chanzhou by Lu Beigu and Cui Taifu. Ouyang Xiu glanced at it briefly and then handed it over to the Secretariat.

Wen Yanbo looked at the document, his fingertips lightly tracing the section on "The Evolution of Zhao Village," and pondered.

"The name Zhao Village originated in the second year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era, long before the current emperor ascended the throne. Once this is clarified, the so-called 'name taboo' loses its foundation and is merely far-fetched. Even if there are some taboos, they are matters from the previous dynasty and not our fault during our tenure."

His tone of voice was much calmer than before.

After speaking, Wen Yanbo's gaze swept over everyone present, and when it met Fu Bi's eyes, he paused for a barely perceptible moment.

With this investigation conclusion, it's a significant relief for the two of them.

Fu Bi nodded slightly and replied, "Brother Kuanfu is right. Villages have existed since ancient times and are not newly established in recent years. Since we have irrefutable evidence, even if there are rumors among the people, it will be difficult to shake the overall situation."

He then shifted his focus to the section of the report concerning "shovel fragments".

"However, these tools and implements have a unique shape and are indeed like funerary objects. Moreover, they can be traced back to Daming Prefecture and Bozhou. The mystery is not to be underestimated. Both the chief and deputy envoys judged that there was probably someone manipulating this matter behind the scenes, and it was not just a baseless claim."

After Fu Bi finished speaking, there was a moment of silence in the Hall of State Affairs.

Because the meaning here is all too obvious.

—Who among the court officials didn't know that Daming Prefecture in Beijing was Jia Changchao's stronghold?
In the seventh year of the Qingli era, Jia Changchao took a strategic retreat, voluntarily requesting to be transferred to a post outside the capital to avoid the turmoil. He was appointed as the "Envoy and Chancellor" with the titles of Military Governor of Wusheng Army, Grand Tutor, and Chancellor of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, concurrently serving as the Governor of Beijing Garrison, the Pacification Commissioner of Hebei, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Hebei Military Region, thus gaining full control of the military and political power in Hebei.

For the next ten years, whenever Jia Changchao faced danger, he would always use Daming Prefecture as his escape route, and the emperor would always grant his request.

Thus, after ten years of painstaking management by Jia Changchao, Daming Prefecture was filled with his trusted henchmen from top to bottom, and it could be said to have become an independent kingdom that was impenetrable.

Last year, after Jia Changchao was transferred back to the central government and reinstated as Privy Councilor, Daming Prefecture remained under his control.

Because Li Zhaoliang succeeded him as the prefect of Daming Prefecture.

Li Zhaoliang, courtesy name Huizhi, was the son of Li Jilong, the elder brother of Empress Mingde of Emperor Taizong, and was of the same generation as Emperor Zhenzong.

Although he did not achieve any great military exploits in his life, he had a very rich career, serving on the western front, the northern front, the imperial guard, and even the three military commands. He also quelled several mutinies, including the Baozhou mutiny. He can be said to be a highly respected veteran general in the army.

Now, as the Envoy of the Southern Court of Xuanhui and the Military Governor of Zhangxin, he is also appointed as the Chancellor, and is responsible for succeeding Jia Changchao as the Prefect of Daming Prefecture.

But Li Zhaoliang is already this old, and he is so frail and sick that he has difficulty walking. He might pass away any day. How could he possibly still have the energy to attend to matters?

Therefore, Daming Prefecture was actually still operating under the control of Jia Changchao's trusted henchmen and was remotely controlled by him.

Even the chief ministers of the State Council knew that, from the perspective of "who benefits and who has the motive," Jia Changchao was very likely the person behind the matter.

However, if asked to make a decision to send someone to Daming Prefecture to continue the investigation, they would still hesitate.

The reasoning behind this is quite simple.

—It's too difficult to investigate in Daming Prefecture. It's quite possible that the people sent out could inexplicably become criminals.

Of course, it's unlikely that they'll be killed outright. The power struggles in the Song Dynasty's court still had limits, at least for now.

After all, the government is still watching.

If things are done too far, it will make the officials uncomfortable, and sometimes the officials don't actually need any evidence.

"cough cough"

Wang Yaochen coughed a few times, his face appearing somewhat pale in the candlelight. After catching his breath, he said, "The key to this matter lies in how this batch of machinery managed to infiltrate the Imperial Workshops, and why it was only more than half a year after the incident that rumors stirred up trouble. If it is true, as the report says, that someone deliberately planted the seeds half a year ago, their intentions are despicable."

"Now that the clues point to Daming Prefecture and Bozhou, we should continue to investigate thoroughly according to the law to get to the bottom of this. Otherwise, if we can use the aftermath of the Six Towers River to cause trouble today, we may very well cause more trouble in the future."

Despite his illness, Wang Yaochen's thinking was extremely clear. He pointed out that the core of the problem lay in investigating the mastermind behind the scenes, rather than simply quelling the rumors.

After all, if the fundamental problem cannot be solved, then rumors will never end.

Zeng Gongliang stroked his beard without speaking, his gaze lingering on the document for a moment before he slowly said, "An investigation is necessary, but how to investigate and who to send to investigate requires careful consideration."

"Daming Prefecture is the capital of our Great Song Dynasty. A single move here will affect the whole situation. Lu Beigu is young and energetic, and Cui Taifu is proficient in criminal law. The two of them working together are certainly effective. However, if we want to investigate further, we may need stronger support. Should we send another important official to take over, or have the Hebei Circuit Judicial Commissioner assist? We need to consider this carefully."

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional crackling of the lamp wick.

All four knew that this report was neither good nor bad for Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi.

It's not good, because the legacy issues of the Liutahe project have once again been thrust into the spotlight; but it's not particularly bad either, since the most fatal "name taboo" has been proven to be a historical issue, not a mistake made during his tenure.

The only problem that remains unclear is related to that batch of machinery with a suspicious origin.

If the truth can be uncovered and the mastermind exposed, the passive situation may be reversed; if the truth cannot be uncovered, or if there are further twists and turns in the process, it will inevitably give others a handle to use against us.

Wen Yanbo finally broke the silence and gently closed the document: "Continue the investigation, investigate to the end."

Fu Bi nodded and said, "Then let's submit Lu Beigu's report and our decision to 'continue the investigation in accordance with the law, order Lu Beigu and Cui Taifu to follow the clues to Daming Prefecture and Bozhou for in-depth investigation, and request the imperial decree to order the relevant officials of Hebei Road to assist in the investigation' to the Emperor tomorrow. Right and wrong must eventually be settled."

The next day, at noon.

Inside Kaifeng, Jia Changchao returned to his residence in the inner city by carriage after taking a midday rest at the Privy Council.

The midday sun in spring was already quite warm, and it shone through the gaps in the carriage curtains. The carriage came to a steady stop in front of the mansion gate, where servants were already waiting to attend to them.

Jia Changchao entered the mansion and went straight to the dining hall.

Madam Chen had already ordered a sumptuous lunch to be prepared. Upon seeing him arrive, she continued to chatter on and on, mostly about trivial family matters, and even asked Jia Changchao to arrange an official position for her nephew.

Jia Changchao just listened without saying a word.

Chen was not Jia Changchao's first wife, but his second wife. However, she held a high position in the Jia family because her maternal family, the Chen family, was extraordinary. Her father, Chen Yaozi, was the top scholar in the imperial examination in the third year of Emperor Zhenzong's Xianping reign. Her eldest uncle, Chen Yaosou, was the top scholar in the second year of Emperor Taizong's Duangong reign. Her second uncle, Chen Yaozuo, was a first-class scholar in the first year of the Duangong reign.

Both Chen Yaosou and Chen Yaozuo once held the position of prime minister. Although they have been dead for many years, the Chen family still wields considerable influence. Jia Changchao's rise to power was partly due to the Chen family's influence.

Now that Madam Chen is asking Jia Changchao to give back to the Chen family, it is only natural that she should. However, since the Chen family has declined, Jia Changchao is not very concerned about it.

After dealing with his wife, he had just sat down at the dining table and hadn't even picked up his chopsticks when his second son, Jia Gui, hurried in and dismissed the maids standing around him.

"Father." Seeing that no one was around, Jia Gui stepped forward and whispered, "I just received news that the Imperial Palace has approved Lu Beigu's request and ordered him and Cui Taifu to set off immediately to Daming Prefecture and Bozhou to continue their in-depth investigation into the Liutahe engineering machinery. The officials in Hebei Road have also been asked to assist in the investigation."

Jia Changchao paused slightly in his chopsticks, then resumed his normal hand gesture.

He picked up a piece of fresh vegetables with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, and swallowed it before slowly saying, "Okay, I understand."

His tone was calm, revealing little emotion, as if he had expected it.

Jia Gui's face betrayed his worry: "Father, although Daming Prefecture is our foundation, Lu Beigu is carrying an imperial edict and has officials from Hebei Circuit assisting in the investigation. What if he really catches something?"

"What are you panicking about?" Jia Changchao interrupted his son, put down his chopsticks unhappily, picked up a cloth to wipe his mouth, and said, "Use your brain to think. I have been managing things in Daming Prefecture for many years, and I have trusted people all over me. How can a hotheaded censor with a piece of paper easily turn everything upside down?"

His gaze swept over the exquisite dishes on the table, but he seemed to have no desire to eat them anymore.

"Never mind, it's better to be safe than sorry."

After a moment of contemplation, Jia Changchao instructed Jia Gui, "You should arrange for people to be sent out this afternoon. There's no need to wait until evening. Set off this afternoon and ride as fast as you can to Daming Prefecture to deliver my message to Sun Zhao once more."

"Yes, please give your instructions, Father." Jia Gui bowed and listened attentively.

Jia Changchao lowered his voice to make sure only he and his son could hear: "Tell Sun Zhao to clean up the mess, especially all clues related to the source of that batch of machinery. Make sure to completely cut off all those who handled it and know the inside story. Those who should be shut up must be silenced. Don't leave any evidence that can be traced."

"As long as Lu Beigu and the others cannot find any real evidence in Daming Prefecture, and cannot find any incriminating evidence against us, then the rumors that 'the Liutahe project violated taboos and incurred divine retribution' will continue to spread throughout the court and the public, causing trouble for Wen Yanbo and Fu Bi. Remember, only pass on the message verbally, do not leave a single piece of paper."

"I understand! I will handle it properly, Father, please rest assured." Jia Gui solemnly replied.

"Go ahead, this matter is urgent, don't delay." Jia Changchao waved his hand, indicating that Jia Gui could go and do his business.

Jia Gui hurriedly left and arranged for his trusted servant, Jia Shengzi, to be in charge of relaying the message.

Jia Changchao sat alone in the dining hall, picked up his chopsticks again, and saw the bright spring sunshine outside the window, but he suddenly felt uneasy.

But after thinking it over carefully, he felt that there was nothing wrong or overlooked, so he suppressed his unease and continued eating.

Chanzhou, Puyang City.

Soon, Lu Beigu and Cui Taifu received the approval document from Kaifeng.

"Permission is granted to continue the investigation. Lu Beigu and Cui Taifu shall depart immediately to follow the clues to Daming Prefecture and Bozhou for further investigation. The relevant authorities of Hebei Road shall assist in the investigation."

Lu Beigu put down the document and breathed a sigh of relief: "Now that the court has given the order, we can proceed."

"I think we still need to split up."

Cui Taifu said, "There's a saying in military strategy: 'Openly repair the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass.'"

"That's the truth."

Lu Beigu smiled and said, "That's exactly what I was thinking. With you in the shadows, it's easier for you to move around and you can avoid being seen by many people."

Cui Taifu nodded and said, "It's just that you'll have to face all the officials of Daming Prefecture alone, which might be difficult." "It's alright," Lu Beigu shook his head. "The more wary they are, the more it shows they have something to hide. I have my own way of dealing with it. On the contrary, it's riskier for you to infiltrate alone."

"You don't need to worry about me. This kind of thing has happened more than once or twice. I know what I'm doing."

Cui Taifu said, "I plan to make preparations tonight, and tomorrow morning, before dawn, I will leave Chanzhou in disguise and head to Daming Prefecture. You can make your arrangements at your leisure, and it will not be too late to set off in two or three days."

With the plan finalized, the two discussed other details in detail until late at night.

Four days later, Hebei Road, Daming Prefecture.

It was already afternoon when Lu Beigu's carriage entered this important town in Hebei.

As the capital of the Song Dynasty, Daming Prefecture boasted a magnificent city wall and bustling streets. Although it could not compare to Tokyo or Kaifeng, it still possessed its own grand and imposing atmosphere.

However, the sandstorms in Daming Prefecture seemed to be even fiercer than in Kaifeng in the spring, with sand and dust lashing against the windows of the post station and making noise.

After Lu Beigu and his subordinates checked into the official post station with the imperial edict, they did not linger for long before presenting their visiting cards according to protocol and requesting an audience with Li Zhaoliang.

Unexpectedly, the invitation card received a reply soon after it was sent. Li Zhaoliang's servant said that the Prime Minister was unwell and usually did not receive guests, but upon hearing that Imperial Censor Lu had come, he made an exception and invited him to meet him in the back hall of the government office.

The back hall of the Daming Prefecture government office, unlike the solemn and dignified front hall, had a more relaxed, homely feel.

Lu Beigu was led into the hall, where he saw an old man with white hair and beard, his body hunched over, wrapped in a thick brocade robe, leaning against a large couch covered with soft cushions.

His face was ashen, his eyes sunken, and only in his occasionally opening and closing eyes remained a trace of the sharp glint of a veteran general from the battlefield.

This is Li Zhaoliang, the Envoy of the Southern Court of Xuanhui, the Military Governor of Zhangxin, the Chancellor, and the Prefect of Daming Prefecture.

“Li Xinglu, the Imperial Censor of the Palace, pays his respects to Minister Li.”

Lu Beigu stepped forward a few paces and bowed respectfully.

Given Li Zhaoliang's title of Envoy-Chancellor, it is not an exaggeration to address him as "Chancellor".

"Young man, no need for formalities, please sit down."

Li Zhaoliang's voice was old and hoarse, with panting. He raised his hand slightly to signal, and the old servant standing beside him quickly brought over an embroidered stool.

Lu Beigu thanked him and sat down, his gaze quickly sweeping across the hall.

The furnishings were simple and unadorned. On the table, besides medicine cups, there were several scrolls of military books scattered around. On the wall hung a decorative sword, the gemstones inlaid on its scabbard now slightly faded.

"Cough cough."

Li Zhaoliang coughed twice, his cloudy gaze falling on Lu Beigu, a smile appearing on his face, making him seem quite amiable.

"A young prodigy! An eighteen-year-old top scholar, now in the Censorate—truly a force to be reckoned with. When I was your age, I was just spending my days practicing martial arts."

The old general didn't seem to be in a hurry to ask Lu Beigu's purpose. Instead, he started reminiscing about the past, his tone filled with nostalgia.

"Speaking of which, I have spent most of my life in the military. During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong, I accompanied the emperor on a northern expedition. Back then, things were not as peaceful as they are now. The Khitans not only frequently harassed the borders, but they also mobilized the entire nation to launch a large-scale southward invasion."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he could see into the distant past: "Right here in Chanzhou, south of Daming Prefecture, when I was a scout, I encountered Khitan cavalry on the battlefield, whose numbers outnumbered ours. If it were an ordinary general, he would probably have retreated three steps, but I was young and impetuous at the time, and I thought, how could I tarnish the prestige of my Great Song army? So I immediately led more than ten riders under my command and charged straight into their formation!"

Lu Beigu listened quietly without interrupting.

He knew that the old general was not as senile as he appeared. This move might be a test, or it might just be the old man's usual nostalgia. In any case, the best option was to wait and see.

Li Zhaoliang became somewhat agitated as he spoke, and his breathing became rapid. The servants quickly stepped forward to pat his back and help him catch his breath.

He paused for a moment before continuing, "In that battle, I wielded a horse spear and defeated three enemy cavalry generals. Although I was wounded several times, I still managed to drive back the enemy cavalry. After returning to camp, Emperor Zhenzong even bestowed a sword upon me as a reward. Hehe, thinking back now, it feels like a lifetime ago."

He then recounted some old stories, mostly anecdotes from the border regions and military experiences during the reigns of Emperor Zhenzong and even Emperor Taizong.

Lu Beigu maintained a respectful demeanor throughout, occasionally offering a few words of agreement at crucial moments, but never taking the initiative to mention the current investigation.

After reminiscing for a while, Li Zhaoliang finally got down to business: "Imperial Censor Lu is young and promising with a bright future. I already know the purpose of your visit. If there is anything that needs to be done in Daming Prefecture, it can be handled according to regulations. However, I am now lacking in energy, and many affairs are handled by the assistants in the prefecture."

This statement, while seemingly delegating authority, actually shifts responsibility to others.

In fact, this old general's achievements were mostly in the military. Although he served in several local positions, he was not enthusiastic about politics. Moreover, now that he is old and frail, his actual control over Daming Prefecture is very limited.

This also indirectly confirms the outside world's speculation that the real power in Daming Prefecture is still controlled by Jia Changchao through his confidants and henchmen.

"Yes."

Seeing that the time was right, Lu Beigu stood up and said, "Lord Li has spent his life on the battlefield and made outstanding contributions, which I admire greatly. I have benefited a lot from listening to your teachings today. Seeing that you are tired, I dare not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now."

Afterwards, Lu Beigu was about to take his leave, but Li Zhaoliang suddenly spoke up.

"Wait a minute."

Li Zhaoliang instructed the old servant standing beside him, "Go and take off that old sword."

The old servant obeyed the order, brought over a low stool, and carefully tiptoed down a sheathed longsword from a high place in the back hall.

The sword was covered in a thin layer of dust, the sharkskin scabbard was dark in color and worn at the edges, and the bronze cloud-shaped guard had lost its luster. Only the gemstones inlaid on it could barely make people tell that this was a "sword of the emperor".

The butler used a cloth to wipe away the dust and presented it to Li Zhaoliang with both hands.

Li Zhaoliang did not accept the invitation, but simply nodded slightly in the direction of Lu Beigu.

"This sword was bestowed upon me by Emperor Zhenzong. Now that I am old and frail, it is only a waste to leave it hanging here. I would be grateful if Imperial Censor Lu could help me by handing it over to my son, Weixian, when I return to the capital."

Lu Beigu understood perfectly.

Li Zhaoliang's actions were by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision; this old sword was more like a temporary talisman for him.

Of course, Li Zhaoliang did not immediately take a liking to him; he was simply worried that this imperial censor sent by the court might run into trouble in Daming Prefecture.

After all, if anything happens to Lu Beigu, regardless of the truth, Li Zhaoliang, as the prefect of Daming Prefecture, will find it difficult to escape responsibility.

The old general had been cautious his whole life and didn't want to tarnish his reputation in his later years because of something like this.

Lu Beigu stepped forward and respectfully accepted the longsword with both hands.

"It will certainly be delivered."

Li Zhaoliang glanced at him, said nothing more, and wearily closed his eyes.

After leaving the inner hall, Lu Beigu walked along the road.

"The waters of Daming Prefecture are indeed very deep; even the chief official, Li Zhaoliang, doesn't want to wade into them."

Afterwards, Lu Beigu went to the government office in front of the prefectural government office to retrieve the original files of the conscription of laborers last year.

He was received by Sun Zhao, the prefectural vice-prefect in charge of the government affairs of Daming Prefecture. Sun Zhao was a middle-aged official who looked like a dough ball. He smiled before he spoke and his manners were impeccable.

"Imperial Censor Lu has come a long way and must be tired." Magistrate Sun personally served him tea, his voice as warm as spring water. "I have received the official document, which states that Imperial Censor Lu is here on imperial orders to investigate a case. The entire Daming Prefecture will do its utmost to cooperate."

However, when Lu Beigu asked to review the list of laborers who worked on the construction of the East Embankment last year, the records of their wages and the documents for the purchase of materials, Sun Zhao's smile revealed his reluctance.

"This...Imperial Censor Lu is unaware of."

He rubbed his hands together, looking regretful: "Not long ago, there was an earthquake in Hebei. The east wall of the government office's storage room collapsed due to the strong tremors. The guardhouse next to the east wall caught fire, and the fire accidentally spread to the storage room. Although the fire was put out in time, all the documents on the east side have been burned. Even if I wanted to find them for Censor Lu, I could only find a pile of ashes."

What about the liar?
Lu Beigu knew that the other party had already destroyed the original documents and other written evidence in advance, making it clear that he would not be able to find anything.

However, he was unwilling to remain deadlocked and instead asked, "In that case, could you please ask Magistrate Sun to arrange for me to meet with the official who was in charge of conscripting laborers from Daming Prefecture to repair the eastern dike of the Liuta River in Chanzhou last year?"

Sun Zhao immediately agreed.

"That's how it should be! I'll go and have someone ask right away."

Then, in front of Lu Beigu, he summoned one of his subordinate officials and ordered him to find someone.

Within half an hour, the junior official reported that one of the two clerks responsible for conscripting laborers last year had unfortunately died in the recent earthquake, and the other had simply disappeared, supposedly absconding with the money.

These people are like pebbles thrown into a deep pool; they disappear without a trace, without even making a ripple.

Lu Beigu asked some more questions.

However, the officials from Daming Prefecture who were summoned by him were completely ignorant, saying they didn't know anything no matter what they were asked.

Seeing this, Lu Beigu was not discouraged. He returned to the post station and planned to continue the investigation after the Hebei Circuit Judicial Commissioner arrived in the next couple of days to assist him.

“Imperial Censor Lu”.

Just as he returned to his room at the inn, an old clerk from the Ministry of Justice came to see him. Upon entering the room, the clerk whispered a warning: "Something's not right. We're probably being watched."

Following the direction he pointed, Lu Beigu peered through the window and saw two seemingly idle men across the street, their gazes sweeping over him as if intentionally or unintentionally.

"Moreover, the people at the post station are also problematic. Let alone investigating cases, they probably keep track of who we meet and what we say every day."

(End of this chapter)