Moma Liangshan

Chapter 114 The Hearts of Ruler and Subject: A Remaining Distant Relationship

Emperor Huizong's decision caused Li Shishi's dance steps to falter. She thought to herself, "The Emperor tacitly approves my brother's cooperation with the Liao Dynasty, yet he arranges for Ma Zhi to ally with the Jin Dynasty. In this way, he can both plunder Liao's wealth through my brother and weaken Liao's military power through the Jin Dynasty—truly a win-win situation!" Unconsciously, she quickened the rhythm of her dance. The musicians, not understanding her intention, dared not act on her own and quickly matched her movements. The music of peace and prosperity, due to the increased rhythm, subtly exuded a powerful and stirring spirit. Li Shishi, barefoot, stepped onto a soft wool carpet embroidered with lotus flowers. Colorful ribbons in her hands fluttered in the air, sometimes like butterflies playing among flowers, sometimes like cranes soaring through the void. Amidst the blooming flowers and the bright stars and moon, her figure was exquisite, her dance graceful; the slow, melodious music filled the air. The beauty turned her head, her eyes meeting Emperor Huizong's, and a hint of sorrow appeared in her gaze.

Faced with Emperor Huizong's decision, Wang Hao felt a sense of relief, thinking to himself, "Regardless, my efforts in Liao have not been in vain. However, Ma Zhi's mission to Jin will inevitably forge an alliance between Song and Jin. If this is exploited by those with ulterior motives, it will likely make my situation in Liao extremely difficult." Wang Hao couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness, looking at the throngs of high-ranking officials and ministers at the banquet. Behind each of them were countless protégés, old friends, and relatives, each entangled in a complex web of intrigue and power struggles. Perhaps Jiaozhou under Wang Hao's leadership could be considered a beacon of integrity, but how could a mere stream of integrity cleanse the boundless desert?

Both the golden tiger gifted by Wang Hao and the dividends from the Eight Immortals Winery greatly alleviated Emperor Huizong's financial burden. Therefore, tonight's banquet, in addition to rewarding the officials in the Wenhua Hall, also included a family feast in the inner palace for the emperor's concubines and relatives to enjoy themselves. After several rounds of drinks, Emperor Huizong said, "Xianmeng is a capable official and a shrewd businessman. The people of Laoshan County live in peace and the city of Dongjing is filled with the fragrance of fine wine—all thanks to Xianmeng. Last year, you and Huanhuan became engaged, making you practically a member of the imperial family. I will soon be attending a family banquet in the inner palace; would you like to come along?" Wang Hao finally understood why the inner palace was brightly lit and filled with the sounds of stringed instruments and bells. He replied, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!" Emperor Huizong rode in his palanquin, and a quarter of an hour later, entered the inner palace. He instructed, "Chief Eunuch Chen, show Wang Hao around the imperial family. I will return to my bedchamber first." With that, the palanquin departed, leaving Eunuch Chen and Wang Hao alone in the passageway.

After walking more than three hundred steps, the lights grew brighter and the music louder. Outside a large vermilion gate, another group of people met Wang Hao. Wang Hao looked up and saw a group of palace maids and eunuchs, but paid them no mind and stepped inside. Just then, Eunuch Chen suddenly tugged at Wang Hao's sleeve, signaling him to wait a moment. The leader opposite them, however, was in no hurry to enter. Instead, he turned back and walked up to Wang Hao and Eunuch Chen, saying with a forced smile, "Eunuch Chen, instead of serving the Emperor, you're leading the way for a mere merchant boy. How amusing!" Eunuch Chen, not wanting to get involved, said, "Young Master Wang's engagement to Princess Roufu was personally bestowed by the Emperor, and Empress Zheng personally arranged it. He's come to the palace today for the banquet, also accompanying the Emperor in his palanquin. I advise you not to cause trouble!" Eunuch Li revealed a cunning smile and said, "Eunuch Chen, you misunderstand. We haven't seen each other for many days. I'm merely coming to say hello! Please, elder brother!" He then made way for them. Eunuch Chen didn't offer any courtesy and entered with Wang Hao. At this moment, the banquet scene inside the three main halls was already faintly visible.

Outside the palace gates, Wang Hao asked, "Who dared to offend you, the Grand Eunuch?" Eunuch Chen smiled helplessly and said, "Grand Eunuch isn't an exact official title; it's just a general term used by those outside the palace to refer to a high-ranking eunuch." Seeing Wang Hao's confused expression, he continued, "My official title is Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Court, responsible for the Emperor's daily life and attendance at court assemblies. That man was named Li Bangyan, the Grand Eunuch of the Inner Court, in charge of the entire harem, and a favorite of Consort Qiao." Continuing on, Wang Hao and Eunuch Chen arrived at the banquet hall. Wang Hao looked around and saw Li Bangyan chatting happily with another man who looked like a scholar. He asked, "Who is Li Bangyan talking to? Judging from his attire, he seems to be a scholar?" Eunuch Chen said with great disdain, "That is Liang Shicheng, the Inspector General. All imperial edicts are written by him. He is a figure that no one inside or outside the palace wants to provoke. In the streets, some people call him the 'Hidden Prime Minister.' He colludes with the Censor-in-Chief Wang Fu and has committed countless evil deeds." He paused briefly, observed his attire, and continued, "Liang Shicheng once worked in the Bureau of Calligraphy and Painting. He has some knowledge of poetry and literature, but he loves to pretend to be cultured and calls himself a student of the Su School. He often criticizes and points out famous scholars from all over the country. Last year, he even used his power to get himself registered as a scholar." Wang Hao was surprised and said, "How could a eunuch be a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examination)? Does His Majesty not see this?" Eunuch Chen smiled helplessly and said, "How can you and I, mere mortals, possibly fathom His Majesty's thoughts?"

Wang Hao was speechless, thinking to himself, "No one is perfect, but there must be a bottom line! As an emperor, accumulating wealth, keeping beauties, and building gardens are tolerable; but entrusting the power of the country to treacherous and immoral villains is absolutely unacceptable!" He sighed slightly and said, "I have learned my lesson!"

Emperor Huizong, having drunk a bit too much at a banquet with his officials, was resting in his bedchamber. Wang Hao, guided by Eunuch Chen, arrived at the main hall to pay his respects. Inside, a table with two chairs sat at the head of the table, the seats for the Emperor and Empress. At the next table, Consort Wang sat to the right, Consort Qiao to the left, and Consort Wei below Consort Qiao. The other concubines sat in small groups, creating a lively scene. Wang Hao entered the main hall, bowed, and said, "Wang Hao greets Her Majesty the Empress and all the Imperial Concubines!" Imperial Concubine Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Please, no need for formalities!" Then, looking at Imperial Concubine Wang, she said, "The young hero Xianmeng is not only skilled in governing the people but also brings glory to the country. Although his journey to Liaodong was fraught with difficulties, the results were remarkable." Imperial Concubine Wang said, "His Majesty told me the other day that without the benefits brought by Xianmeng, we wouldn't have been able to host such a lively banquet." Eunuch Chen also chimed in, "Your Majesties, you may not know this, but just now in the Jiying Hall, Young Master Wang presented His Majesty with a golden tiger, weighing 66,000 taels of silver, and all the gold used came from Liao." For a moment, the hall fell silent. The gazes directed at Wang Hao were varied: some were filled with admiration, some with respect, some with envy, and some with jealousy. Wang Hao didn't think much of Eunuch Chen's praise; presenting a treasure in front of everyone was, after all, an unavoidable "show of off."

Empress Zheng thought to herself, "Although everyone present is a member of the imperial family, I doubt any of them has ever seen a golden tiger worth 66,000 taels of silver. No one would give something away for no reason, especially since Wang Hao has great ambitions and needs countless riches. He must have his reasons for doing this!" She then looked at Consort Wang and said, "Xianmeng is deeply in love with Huanhuan. Even after venturing deep into Liaodong, she didn't forget to bring back two top-quality tiger skins for her future wife. As elders, we should let these young people spend more time together!" Consort Wang said, "Sister is absolutely right!" Then she said to Wang Hao, "Huanhuan is in the side hall. Go and see her!" Wang Hao blushed slightly and said, "Yes!" Empress Zheng and Consort Wang covered their faces and smiled, gesturing for him to go on his own.

After Wang Hao left, Empress Zheng summoned Eunuch Chen and asked, "Xianmeng presented the golden tiger as tribute. What did the Emperor say?" Eunuch Chen whispered, "The Emperor instructed Prince Wang to continue cooperating with the Liao Kingdom, and also dispatched Ma Zhi as an envoy to the Jin Kingdom." Empress Zheng suddenly remembered Wang Hao's original mission to Liaodong and said, "If I remember correctly, Xianmeng's original purpose in going to Liaodong was to form an alliance with the Jin Kingdom, wasn't it?" Eunuch Chen said, "That's right!" Empress Zheng asked in confusion, "Do you know the reason behind this?" Eunuch Chen said, "My stepson, Chen Song, serves under Prince Wang and was also sent as an envoy to Liaodong. According to him, the Jurchens are very fierce..." Far superior to the Khitan, and insatiably greedy. If the Jurchens are allowed to grow stronger, the Song Dynasty will likely find it difficult to remain unscathed, and the borders may never be at peace. Therefore, Prince Wang had no choice but to take the initiative to cooperate with the Khitans. Firstly, this would allow him to plunder the Liao Dynasty's wealth, and secondly, it would weaken the Jin and Liao dynasties. Empress Zheng nodded slightly and said, "If this can make the Song Dynasty strong and the Jin and Liao weak, it is indeed the fundamental way to improve our country's border troubles." Empress Zheng never interfered in politics, but after a moment's thought, she continued, "Your Majesty, as the ruler of a country, must have a foolproof plan for everything. First, there was Xianmeng's cooperation with the Liao Dynasty, and later, Ma Zhi's alliance with the Jin Dynasty—these are truly brilliant moves!"

Seeing the worry on Consort Wang's face, Empress Zheng said, "Sister, are you worried that if the war between Jin and Liao ends one day, how will His Majesty arrange for Xianmeng and Ma Zhi?" Consort Wang nodded silently. Empress Zheng said, "When the war between Jin and Liao ends, the Song Dynasty's million-strong army will be stationed at the border. Tell me, which of those defeated soldiers would dare not bow down and submit?" Before anyone knew it, Emperor Huizong had entered the hall, clapping his hands in delight, and said, "None of the civil and military officials in the court are as insightful as the Empress!" Everyone immediately stood up and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Emperor Huizong said, "Rise!" Following behind Emperor Huizong was Tong Guan, the military supervisor of the Northwest, and it was Tong Guan who recommended Ma Zhi. Emperor Huizong then looked at Tong Guan and asked, "Minister Tong, do you think there is anything wrong with my arrangements?" Tong Guan quickly replied, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and knows how to appoint the right people. The Great Song Dynasty will surely sweep across the land and bring blessings to the world!" Emperor Huizong laughed and said, "Minister Tong has guarded the Northwest for twenty years and has made great achievements. Once the situation between Jin and Liao is clear, I will ask you to lead the Imperial Guards northward to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun for me!" Tong Guan immediately replied, "Your subject will certainly do his utmost and die for this cause!" Seeing that Emperor Huizong was in a very good mood, Empress Zheng said, "It's almost time. We can set off the fireworks!" Emperor Huizong nodded and ordered, "Prepare the fireworks!" Eunuch Chen received the order and immediately ordered people to prepare them.