Chapter 90: Ten Thousand Gold
“Commander, come quickly and look!”
Xiao Yi bandaged his wound, changed into new armor, and returned to Yi Ting with Guo Xin and Guo Xin. He saw Shou Tao pacing back and forth agitatedly, jumping up and down.
“Commander, look, so many chests. I hope they aren’t stones. If they were copper coins, we’d never be able to count them all!”
Xiao Yi looked over. The sacks of bran on the carriages had been moved aside, revealing chests hidden within several of the carriages. They were standard camphor wood treasure chests, one foot long and six and a half inches wide and high, reinforced with iron bands and sealed with wax seals on the latches. They were quite heavy, and made a dull thud when placed on the stone slab.
“Commander, we’ve counted them, there are thirty-two in total!”
“Pry them open.”
“Yes!”
Shou Tao was very excited, took out a dagger, and stepped forward to pry open a chest.
With a light “click,” the chest lid opened, and in an instant, golden light spilled out.
Illuminated by the firelight, the neatly stacked gold ingots emitted a dazzling glow, and a collective gasp of surprise filled Yi Ting.
“Damn it!”
Shou Tao sat on the ground, looking completely dazed.
Although Guo Xin was the son of a commander, he probably hadn’t seen much of the world. He muttered, “Could they all be gold?”
Xiao Yi finally understood why Li Hongjian had been so hesitant; it was a case of “man dies for wealth, as birds die for food.”
He stepped forward and picked up a gold ingot to examine it. It was a long bar, and the bottom was clearly inscribed with three lines of text: “Imperial Treasury, second year of Qianyou,” “Weight: Twenty Liang,” and “Supervisor of Casting: Wang Fu’s Record.” The side also bore the official seal of the Three Judicial Offices’ official, Wang Zhang.
“There are thirty-two ingots in one chest.” Guo Xin leaned closer, helping him count. After a quick calculation, she murmured, “How can there be so much?”
Xiao Yi asked, “Is it a lot?”
Just then, shouts could be heard from outside the yamen.
“Get lost! Who doesn’t want to surrender? You weak scholars aren’t next in line. Go, isn’t the General busy?!”
Xiao Yi strode to the entrance and saw from a distance Li Fang being shoved out by halberd-wielding guards.
“Stop! What’s going on?”
“Reporting to the General, a troublesome civil official has arrived. I was just sending him away for you!”
The Imperial Guard soldier spoke as if it were natural, even believing he had done the right thing, and his contempt for scholars was evident.
Xiao Yi rebuked, “Who gave you the courage to make decisions for me?!”
“This subordinate would not dare… This subordinate simply felt that there is no place for such a low-ranking civil official at the moment…”
“Retreat!”
Xiao Yi ordered the soldier to step back and stepped forward to greet Li Fang.
“Brother Ming Yuan, why have you come here?”
Li Fang stepped forward with a slight wry smile. Just as he was about to speak, he glimpsed the scene in Yi Ting and then asked, “What is that?”
“Imperial Treasury gold.”
“How much?”
“About twenty thousand liang.”
“So much?!”
“Is it a lot?”
Li Fang sighed and said, “Do you know how much our dynasty’s annual revenue is?”
“I don’t know.”
“Only around one million strings of cash.” Li Fang continued, “Since Wang Zhang took office as the official of the Three Judicial Offices, land taxes have increased tenfold. The conversion of provincial expenses to two dou per hu and the system of provincial income and expenditure have been implemented. Furthermore, salt, alum, and wine yeast are strictly monopolized. In addition, there are taxes on agricultural implements, wine yeast, and cattle hides. The common people even have to pay taxes for drinking water. All of these, when converted to gold, amount to only seventy to eighty thousand liang… For such a large court to operate, to pacify the three garrisons and defend against the Khitans, the Imperial Treasury has managed to save twenty thousand liang. Li Ye is truly capable.”
Xiao Yi calculated that even if fifty thousand troops each received five strings of cash, this gold would be enough to reward the soldiers, and the Southern Army hadn’t even had that many casualties to claim rewards. He felt a little relieved.
The next moment, Li Fang bowed deeply to him.
“Your action in preventing the outflow of imperial treasury gold and treasures is a merit to the common people. Please accept this bow from Fang.”
“Brother Ming Yuan, you need not do this.”
“Let’s talk business. I’m here because Duke Feng wishes to see you.”
“See me?”
“Indeed.”
“Allow me to make some arrangements.”
Xiao Yi first returned to the main yamen and pulled Guo Xin aside, instructing, “I’m going to see Feng Dao. You stay here and guard the gold. Post double guards and allow no one to approach.”
“What’s so good about seeing a civil official? Alright, don’t worry, I’ll let Tang Jin come out to guard. We’ll collect the ransom tomorrow.”
“The Marshal will enter the city tomorrow.”
“Then let’s drag Liu Zhu out for the ransom. It’s brighter here.”
“As you wish.”
After tidying himself up and about to leave, Guo Xin said again, “Where are you going? I’ll go with you.”
“No need. If you’re bored, go and sleep in the guest room. You haven’t slept for a long time.”
“Oh, this is the second time you’ve refused me. If it happens one more time, I won’t stand for it.”
“I’ll be careful next time.”
“Aren’t you bringing your nine-sectional whip? You use it… quite skillfully.”
“No need. It doesn’t matter what weapon I use.”
Xiao Yi replied casually, without slowing his pace, and left the Imperial Guard Headquarters, walking alongside Li Fang.
Outside the yamen, the long street was covered in snow. The new snow had covered footprints and wheel tracks, and the day’s busyness seemed to be slowly coming to an end.
Not long after they walked, as they turned a corner, they saw a carriage parked there.
Li Fang stepped forward first, bowed to the carriage, and said, “Duke Xin Chen, Duke Feng, Xiao Lang has arrived.”
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Li Tao emerged from the carriage first, then helped an old man out.
Feng Dao looked about seventy or eighty years old, dressed in a hemp robe. His crane cloak was even older than Li Tao’s. He wore a headwear, his face was gaunt, his wrinkles deep, his hair and beard all white. He held a wooden staff and moved slowly, exuding a sense of calm that came from having experienced much.
It was as if no matter how the state changed, he would just slowly alight from the carriage.
“Xiao Lang.” Li Fang slightly turned to the side, introducing, “This is the Grand Tutor, Chancellor of the Imperial Secretariat, and Grand Academician of the Hongwen Academy, Duke Feng.”
“This junior greets Duke Feng.”
Feng Dao nodded slightly and spoke gently, his tone peaceful, revealing neither praise nor criticism.
“Commander Xiao has stabilized the situation in Kaifeng in one day, preventing the imperial court from losing face completely and the war from spreading into the city. Your contributions are immense.”
“Duke Feng flatters me.”
“However, this old man does not know, after Guo Que’er removed the corrupt officials, what arrangements are there for His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the anxious officials and citizens of this city?”
Xiao Yi knew this was a difficult question to answer, requiring great tact. He pondered for a moment and said, “Matters of this magnitude are beyond what this junior can presume to guess.”
Feng Dao heard this, stroked his wooden staff, which had been polished smooth by use, and remained silent for a long time.
Xiao Yi thought for a moment, if he wanted to seize more opportunities, he should reveal a little of his stance to gain the favor and support of the civil officials.
“The Marshal is loyal and courageous, pacifying the three garrisons, resisting the Khitans, caring for the world, and cherishing the common people. As for the arrangements for the imperial palace and ancestral temples, Duke Feng has served through several dynasties and holds great respect in the empire. It is necessary for Duke Feng and the Marshal to discuss a grand plan together to stabilize the people’s hearts.”
In his previous life, when he recited similar lines, he often felt they were empty words. Now, he could naturally use them to express himself. The meaning was that he believed Guo Wei cared about the world and the common people, but not about His Majesty, and this was also his stance, depending on whether Feng Dao accepted it.
“This old man understands.” Feng Dao’s eyes were as calm as an ancient well, and he said slowly, “The Empress Dowager urgently needs someone to explain the situation, to clarify Duke Guo’s intentions and relieve the anxieties of the state. Will Xiao Lang be willing to enter the palace with this old man?”
Xiao Yi was slightly taken aback, considering what benefits and risks there would be in meeting Empress Dowager Li at this time.
If he didn’t want to go, these old men and scholars before him couldn’t force him.
Feng Dao did not wait for his answer, turned, and slowly walked towards the carriage, leaning on his wooden staff.
Li Tao looked deeply at Xiao Yi, his eyes full of encouragement.
Li Fang then said in a low voice, “Let’s go. Duke Feng has stood tall through several dynasties. Following him will not lead you astray.”
Xiao Yi seemed to understand something and made a decisive choice, stepping forward and supporting Feng Dao.
Feng Dao, without looking up, mused to himself, “Young man, quite perceptive.”
…
They were not far from Da Ning Palace. After a short walk, they arrived at Cheng Tian Gate.
Li Fang had not received a summons. Xiao Yi and Li Tao helped Feng Dao alight from the carriage.
Cheng Tian Gate had three gates. The central imperial road was only opened when the emperor traveled. The left and right side gates were for officials to enter and exit, and were usually guarded by the Jinwu Guard.
At this moment, the left side gate had been exceptionally opened halfway. Several eunuchs holding lanterns were waiting there. The one in front wore a scarlet, narrow-sleeved robe and had a pale, beardless face.
“This old servant is Wang Yan, the Deputy Envoy of the Gate Department, here to verify Duke Feng.”
“This is Xiao Yi, under Marshal Guo.”
Feng Dao took out a gilded bronze token, a personal seal, and a document from his sleeve and handed them over.
Wang Yan accepted them, filed them in the gate’s token archive, then apologized and searched Xiao Yi, confiscating his sabre and dagger before signaling for a palace guard to lead the way.
After walking for a long time in the silent imperial palace, the palace guard turned back and quietly reminded Xiao Yi, “Ahead is Tai Ji Gate, and behind is the Inner Court. Enter from the left and exit from the right. Absolutely do not step on the bluestone in the middle of the imperial road.”
Xiao Yi looked ahead and saw that the snow on the imperial road at the end of Tian Jie had been swept away, revealing carved cloud patterns.
Upon reaching Tai Ji Gate, the Jinwu Guard checked the document again. After passing through Liang Yi Hall and reaching the Inner Court, their guide was replaced by an elderly eunuch carrying an elegant palace lantern.
In short, the court was not large, but the rules were numerous.
“We have arrived at Zi Chen Hall.”
Entering the hall, though charcoal basins were lit, the vast and empty palace still felt cold.
Xiao Yi looked at the empty throne directly ahead. On the phoenix chair to the left sat a dignified woman, wearing a ochre-yellow everyday robe and with her hair pinned up with a silver hairpin. She looked no more than thirty years old, her beauty still evident, but her face was pale, and her eyes betrayed her fear and exhaustion.
Several trusted palace servants stood with their heads bowed and breaths held, like clay figurines.
“This old minister, Feng Dao, pays his respects to the Empress Dowager.”
“Li Tao pays his respects to the Empress Dowager…”
“Please rise quickly.”
Before Feng Dao could finish his bow, Empress Dowager Li immediately stopped him in a gentle tone and had a eunuch bring a small stool for Feng Dao to sit on.
Soon, her gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, and she asked, “Are you Xiao Yi?”
“Replying to the Empress Dowager, yes.”
“Don’t be nervous. Speaking of which, the Empress and I were discussing you. She has been close friends with Li Song’s daughter since childhood. After finding out her whereabouts, she often invited her to the palace to talk and mentioned your deeds, saying that you remember your former lord and are loyal and brave, a good child.”
Xiao Yi, who had been standing with his eyes lowered, couldn’t help but glance at Empress Dowager Li upon hearing this. He saw her eyes were full of kindness, so she wasn’t trying to threaten him with Li Zhaoning.
Even if she tried, it wouldn’t work.
“This old woman thought it was time to exonerate Li Song, so I summoned you to the palace and also to bestow a position upon you. What is your current rank in Minister Guo’s army?”
“Replying to the Empress Dowager, I hold the nominal position of Deputy Commander.”
Empress Dowager Li spoke directly, her voice carrying authority, and gave an order to an inner attendant.
“Xiao Yi protected the capital, pacified the people, and stabilized hearts. His contributions are immense. He is promoted to Inner Palace Guard Commander, with the honorary title of Acting Libationer of the Imperial Academy.”
After speaking, she looked at Xiao Yi, a gentle smile appearing on her face.
“The Inner Palace Guard is the master of the palace’s security. From now on, the safety of the Inner Court will also be a responsibility you share. You must be diligent. Although the title of Acting Libationer of the Imperial Academy is an honorary one, it serves as the court’s compensation to Li Song and provides you with a background. Regarding Minister Guo, please convey a message… The court will not fail its meritorious officials.”
Xiao Yi heard this and pondered for a moment, understanding.
Feng Dao would not seek his own destruction. Since he was involved, it meant Empress Dowager Li was determined to cooperate with Guo Wei, possibly temporarily letting Guo Wei act as regent. She was now planning ahead, hoping he would protect the palace as he had protected Kaifeng, hence bestowing upon him the title of Inner Palace Guard Commander.
In other words, if Guo Wei were to send someone to monitor her, she hoped it would be him.
As for the Acting Libationer of the Imperial Academy, it was to strengthen his civilian official attributes and push him to become closer to the civil officials, subtly changing his inclinations.
This woman was smarter than she appeared.
But for himself, what if Guo Wei accused him of colluding with the imperial family?
Just as he was thinking this, Feng Dao suddenly swayed as if about to fall.
Xiao Yi quickly supported him and asked, “Duke Feng, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Feng Dao waved his hand, his eyes seeming to hold a deep meaning, and said leisurely, “This old man has served through several dynasties. My official rank gets higher with each dynasty, and I get older with each year.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yi suddenly understood, realizing he was overthinking.
Why did Feng Dao have such deep qualifications? He had been elevated by the Later Yan, Later Tang, Later Jin, Khitan, and the current dynasty. His rank and status grew higher and higher until his position became unshakeable.
Nowadays, dynasties changed like flowing water. Among all the civil and military officials in the empire, how many were not “traitors”? The so-called “loyalty,” was merely a meaningless fart.
What mattered was value.
Persuading Empress Dowager Li to surrender tonight, establishing the righteousness for Guo Wei’s entry into Kaifeng, was his value. In the future, acting as a bridge of communication between Empress Dowager Li and Guo Wei would also be his value.
If he was timid and only waited for Guo Wei to reward him, what would be the outcome after the seniority system? Opportunities to change one’s destiny were few, and one must seize them.
“This junior believes that Duke Feng gains wisdom with each passing year.”
Xiao Yi felt that the teachings he received from Feng Dao tonight were more valuable than twenty thousand liang of gold.
The old man and the young man exchanged a glance. The elder nodded slightly, his eyes full of the sentiment of “a promising student.”
