“Who said His Majesty scolded me so thoroughly? Wang Zifeng, were you eavesdropping from the rafters to hear it with your own ears?” General Li, initially embarrassed and annoyed, quickly recovered and declared confidently, “Do your words make it true? His Majesty summoned me to reward my great victory over the Liao army. What would you even understand?”

Wang Zhen approached, exchanging a glance with Tang Shen.

Tang Shen’s look conveyed, Senior Brother, he insulted you earlier. I didn’t respond, so it’s none of my business.

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Wang Zhen smiled. Tang Shen couldn’t decipher its meaning but figured that their close relationship meant Wang wouldn’t hold a grudge.

With a leisurely smile, Wang Zhen asked, “Since General Li claims His Majesty rewarded you, where is the reward?”

Li Jingde: “…”

You useless civil officials are all the same—no good apples among you!

Waving his hand forcefully, Li Jingde strode away. “I’m leaving; this is boring.”

His dashing figure disappeared into the garden of Qinzheng Hall, but Tang Shen couldn’t help feeling that the general’s retreat seemed a bit hasty. Li Jingde could talk back to other civil officials, even daring to ambush and beat up Minister Meng Lang of the Ministry of Rites late at night. But when it came to Wang Zifeng, he didn’t dare. The Ministry of Revenue controlled the army’s funds, and Li Jingde’s past attempts to oppose Wang Zifeng hadn’t ended well.

The wise recognize opportunities, and Li Jingde, being a man of his time, naturally knew when to yield.

Wang Zhen had merely been passing by. He hadn’t been following Tang Shen or Li Jingde but had overheard his name mentioned while walking through the garden, prompting him to stop and listen for a moment.

Looking at Tang Shen with a calm gaze and dignified demeanor, Wang Zhen asked, “How is Meng daren managing?”

He referred to Meng Lang’s negotiations with the Liao delegation. Tang Shen replied, “Meng daren and Yu daren are working in harmony; things are going smoothly.”

Wang Zhen nodded. “One must have a good New Year.”

Tang Shen caught on. “Senior Brother, you mean…”

Wang Zhen smiled. “Little Junior Brother, will you come to the Minister Residence for drinks tonight?”

With Meng Lang hosting the Liao delegation, Tang Shen had been idle and was just thinking of strengthening ties with Wang Zhen. Hearing this, he promptly agreed, “Sure, I’ll trouble you again, Senior Brother.”

That evening, as dusk fell early in Shengjing during the twelfth lunar month, government officials departed their offices with lanterns in hand. Tang Shen returned home, changed into casual clothes, and headed to the Minister Residence. The chef there had prepared a table of Jiangnan cuisine. Although Tang Shen hadn’t liked the mild flavors of Jiangnan dishes in his past life, he had no choice but to eat them when visiting Wang Zhen. Over time, thanks to the chef’s exquisite skills, Tang Shen’s palate had gradually adjusted.

After dinner, Tang Shen anticipated his senior brother’s cultured hobbies. Ancient recreational activities weren’t as limited as modern people might think but weren’t abundant either. Most people would go to bed early due to the expense of candles and oil lamps. For entertainment, some played games like hit-the-horse or card games, while others engaged in more refined pastimes like music, calligraphy, painting, or chess.

Wang Zhen excelled in all these refined arts. As his semi-student, Tang Shen had picked up bits of each skill under his influence.

The two went to the study, where an unfinished game of Go from two weeks ago awaited them.

Seeing the board, Tang Shen immediately felt overwhelmed. He surrendered on the spot. “Senior Brother, I’ve lost.”

Wang Zhen was surprised. “The game isn’t over. Why say you’ve lost?”

“With your skill, it’s obvious I’ve lost. Let’s start a new game instead.”

Wang Zhen sighed. “Little Junior Brother, you’re too self-deprecating.” He began resetting the board. “Then let’s play a new round.”

Tang Shen thought, why must you insist on crushing me completely? What kind of twisted pleasure is this?

In the past, whenever Tang Shen played chess with Wang Zhen, they always played as equals, a style known as opponent chess, where both players were of similar skill levels, and no handicap was given. But today, Tang Shen said, “Senior Brother, I’d like to play handicap chess. How about you give me a five-piece advantage?”

Handicap chess meant that the weaker player would play as Black and move first. Additionally, Tang Shen wanted Wang Zhen to give him a five-piece head start.

Wang Zhen was surprised and asked, “Why do you want to play handicap chess, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen replied, “…When it comes to chess, I’m no match for you, Senior Brother. We should have been playing handicap chess all along.”

Wang Zhen said, “I don’t think so.”

Tang Shen: “…”

 “Senior Brother, I insist. Let me have a five-piece advantage.”

Wang Zhen stared at Tang Shen for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s out of respect for you, little Junior Brother, that I believe we should continue to play as equals.”

Tang Shen thought, I feel that you should respect me in other ways, like helping me get promoted. But for chess? Please spare me. However, he couldn’t voice that thought. Wang Zifeng’s casual words carried deeper meaning, and Tang Shen carefully weighed his response.

Wang Zifeng’s comment wasn’t just about the game but also their relationship and standings.

After some thought, the nineteen-year-old Tang Shen replied, “Senior Brother, I’m nine years younger than you and haven’t even come of age yet. Can’t you indulge me a little?” His words carried a hint of childish pleading, and he wasn’t wrong. At nineteen, Tang Shen was technically still a minor in this era.

Wang Zhen was momentarily stunned, then laughed. He stared blankly at Tang Shen. After a long while, he let out a slow sigh, his tone tinged with melancholy. “Jing Ze, you’ve truly…” His voice trailed off.

Tang Shen asked, “Truly what?”

Wang Zhen picked up the white stones. “Fine, let’s play a handicap game.”

Tang Shen: “???” What did you stop yourself from saying?

Wang Zhen said no more, and Tang Shen didn’t press him. Judging by Wang Zhen’s attitude, it likely wasn’t something bad.

With a five-piece handicap, Tang Shen finally managed to put up a decent fight. He won the first round by three points but soon lost momentum. Wang Zhen dismantled three of his lines in quick succession, taking the lead.

Chess mirrors life.

Long ago, Tang Shen’s mentor, Liang Song, had told him this during his first serious game of Go. A person’s true character often reveals itself in their playstyle. For example, Liang Song’s moves were steady and conservative, while Fu Wei, whom Tang Shen had played once, was unpredictable and abandoned the game halfway, muttering, “Jing Ze, your chess is atrocious!”

But with Wang Zhen, Tang Shen could never grasp his personality. Sometimes steady as a mountain, other times daring and risky, Wang Zhen was like a tiger resting by a calm lake—noble and serene until awakened, roaring through the forest. 

Just as his opponent was still reeling in shock, he calmly and effortlessly collected a group of white pieces. Turning to Tang Shen, he gave a gentle smile and said, “Little Junior Brother.”

Moments later, Tang Shen realized he’d lost again.

“Senior Brother, your skill far surpasses mine.” This was half flattery, half genuine admiration.

“And yet, little Junior Brother, you haven’t come of age yet. In nine years, I might not match you.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Seriously? Wang Zifeng, why are you holding a grudge over that earlier comment?

This could not be brushed aside. Sensing Wang Zhen’s sensitivity over this topic, Tang Shen quickly said, “Senior Brother, I never said you were old.”

“En?”

“You’re in your prime—graceful and distinguished.” Tang Shen earnestly added, “In my eyes, you’re truly a god among men in the Song court and all its officials!”

Only twenty-eight, yet already a powerful minister of the nation—he’d undoubtedly be considered a promising young talent in later generations.

Tang Shen had once entertained a thought.

Tang Huang was now fifteen and at an age where marriage could be discussed. If one put aside Tang Huang’s personal preferences and let Tang Shen choose, who would be the best match in the Song Dynasty?

From a political perspective, it wouldn’t be Su Wenyun, who was twenty-five this year, but Wang Zifeng, who was already twenty-eight!  

If one could marry Wang Zifeng, the future would indeed be smooth and worry-free for a lifetime.  

If not for the fact that he was a man, Tang Shen might have been tempted himself.

Wang Zifeng looked at Tang Shen from below his lashes, who returned his gaze with sincerity and a childlike expression. Wang Zifeng chuckled softly and set up another chessboard.

“Let’s play another round.”

Tang Shen silently accompanied his senior brother for another game.

“Life is like a game of chess.” A refined voice broke the silence, and Tang Shen raised his head in surprise to look at Wang Zifeng. While placing a white piece on the board, Wang Zifeng, his eyes lowered to the chessboard, said, “A chess game is also like life, like the ever-changing world, like the rise and fall of politics. Little Junior Brother, what have you observed in your meetings with the Liao envoys?”

Tang Shen straightened his posture and replied, “The Liao is a nation built on horseback, where all are soldiers, with strong horses and mighty troops. Perhaps, as General Li said, ten or twenty years from now, the Song Dynasty might also be able to train such an iron cavalry. But as of now, the Liao already possesses such a formidable force. However, due to the Liao’s political system, their court is not as stable as ours.”

“How so?”

“There is deep and irreconcilable conflict between their Southern and Northern officials.”

Wang Zifeng placed a piece on the board, capturing three of Tang Shen’s pieces. After collecting his captured pieces, he said, “You asked to play a handicap game, but little Junior Brother’s skills are clearly improving.”

Tang Shen pondered, is that a compliment?

He didn’t have long to mull it over before Wang Zifeng continued, “Southern officials are like you, playing a handicap game with black pieces. Northern officials are like me, holding most of the Liao’s territory with a vast and imposing presence.”

Tang Shen was startled. “Senior Brother, you’ve known this for a long time?”

Wang Zifeng responded, “The Silver Pull Division isn’t there for nothing.”

Tang Shen was shocked. “Besides matters related to ‘paper money,’ the division even secretly investigates Liao’s internal politics?”

Wang Zifeng gave him an odd look. “Little Junior Brother, mind your words. When did I ever say that?”

Tang Shen immediately closed his mouth.

“The Liao Crown Prince and Second Prince are like you—born into low status, playing black pieces and taking every advantage they can. The Third Prince, Yelü Han, is like me—born into nobility, supported by the Grand Preceptor and many Liao officials, yet foolish and inept, playing white and squandering his advantages.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen: “Senior Brother, you just said the Silver Pull Bureau doesn’t investigate Liao politics.”

Wang Zifeng: “Did I?”

Tang Shen replied earnestly, “You did.”

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Wang Zifeng gazed at Tang Shen with a faint frown.

In the past, Tang Shen might have backtracked, pretending he had misspoken. But this time, he held Wang Zifeng’s gaze firmly, refusing to yield to his senior brother’s intimidating presence.

After a moment, Wang Zifeng suddenly laughed. He reached out and lightly tapped Tang Shen’s head with his finger, laughing heartily. “You’ve truly grown bold with favoritism!”

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Whether Wang Zifeng was impotent or not, Tang Shen naturally had no way of knowing.

After keeping the Liao emissaries waiting for five full days, the emperor hosted a banquet at Shengping Tower to entertain the Liao envoys. As the reception official, Tang Shen naturally attended the banquet.

At Shengping Tower, the sounds of music and dancing filled the air, and one could see the graceful figures in flowing celestial robes.

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Not all imperial family members and officials could sit at Shengping Tower to receive the Liao emissaries. At the banquet, only a few of the emperor’s favored princes, along with some first and second-rank officials, and the reception officials led by the Minister of Rites, Meng Lang, were present. Tang Shen sat at the back of the hall and from afar, he saw Zhao Fu, wearing a dragon robe, raising a cup and talking with the Third Prince of Liao, Yelü Han.

This was Yelü Han’s first time visiting Shengjing and meeting Zhao Fu. He had expected that the emperor of Song would be like his father, a strict and mighty ruler, someone whom ordinary people dared not look at directly, and who could immediately have someone beheaded for a single wrong word. However, Zhao Fu was surprisingly kind and even seemed to flatter him, which made Yelü Han puff out his chest.

Indeed, the Great Liao had a strong military, and its soldiers were invincible. The Song people must surely grovel and flatter in front of them. Even the Emperor of Song, what could he do? If the Liao iron cavalry marched south, Shengjing would be bloodily wiped out within a month.

Yelü Han thought this in his heart, but he was not foolish enough to show his disdain. He said to Zhao Fu: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your care. I have been staying comfortably at the guesthouse, but it has been some time, and still, I have not met Your Majesty. It feels a bit strange. This morning, I was wondering if Your Majesty the Emperor of Song might be unwilling to meet with us?”

Zhao Fu was surprised: “How could the Third Prince have such a misunderstanding?” He turned to Meng Lang and said, “Minister Meng, I instructed you early on to attend to the Liao emissaries. How is it that the Liao envoys have such thoughts?”

Meng Lang secretly felt distressed. He stood up and glanced at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen was sitting at a very distant spot. Naturally, Wang Zhen was not beside him. Wang Zhen was sitting across from Meng Lang, calmly eating vegetables. But beside Tang Shen was another person! This second-rank general, with a fair face and sharp eyes, was staring at Meng Lang with fierce eyes, as if saying: “You’re pushing this difficult task onto me, are you trying to shirk responsibility again?”

Meng Lang was at a loss for words and could only sigh inwardly. He never expected that it was Tang Shen who had been assigned this task. What was Li Jingde doing here?

Wang Zifeng was someone who concealed his motives with a soft approach, and if today, he told Zhao Fu that he had entrusted the matter to Tang Shen, that it went wrong, it was Tang Shen’s fault. Wang Zifeng’s revenge would not be quick, but it would come slowly like the soft rain of the plum season, lingering for a month.

But Li Jingde was different. Once Li Jingde sought revenge, Meng Lang might be dragged out in a sack and beaten senseless in some deserted corner of the palace before he barely even exited the door of Shengping Tower.

Meng Lang sighed and said to Zhao Fu: “It is my fault, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu acted sternly: “You have neglected my guests, so you will be fined a month’s salary.”

Meng Lang: “I accept the punishment.”

Yelü Han had deliberately caused trouble to see if the Emperor of Song would punish one of his officials for the sake of the Liao emissaries. He did not care which official was punished. This was what his subordinate, Yelü Qin, had specifically instructed him to do before coming to Shengping Tower: Make the Song officials lose face, reduce their prestige, or it would be bad for the negotiations later.

Since Meng Lang had already been punished, Yelü Qin pretended to be considerate: “Your Majesty, it’s just a small matter, there is no need for such punishment.”

Zhao Fu smiled kindly, with a gentle demeanor: “The emissaries of Great Liao are my esteemed guests. How could I allow anyone to neglect them?”

Yelü Han felt pleased in his heart and stroked his beard, smiling. Behind him, Yelü Qin and Yelü Yin also looked at Zhao Fu with more contempt. Zhao Fu loved cultivating immortality and was always thinking about how to become an immortal, which was not a secret among the Liao officials. It now seemed that this Emperor of Song was indeed a foolish and incompetent ruler, unworthy of attention.

After the banquet at Shengping Tower ended, both sides had a pleasant conversation, and everyone was happy.

After Zhao Fu left Shengping Tower, the Song officials waited for the Liao emissaries to depart before leaving one by one.

Tang Shen and Li Jingde walked together, with Li Jingde still pretending to be his accompanying official. However, as soon as they stepped out of Shengping Tower, a eunuch stopped them. The young eunuch gave a slight bow and said: “Greetings to General Li and Tang daren. General Li, His Majesty has summoned you to the Immortal Ascension Platform. Please follow me.”

Li Jingde had shaved his beard, and almost no one recognized him, not even Meng Lang, until Li Jingde personally kicked him. But Zhao Fu’s sharp eyes were not so easily deceived.

Li Jingde touched his nose and said to Tang Shen: “I’ll go first.”

Tang Shen: “Please take care, General Li.”

Li Jingde followed the eunuch to the Immortal Ascension Platform.

The next day, Tang Shen did not see Li Jingde at Qinzheng Hall. Meng Lang led the officials to personally receive the Liao emissaries. They did not meet at Qinzheng Hall or in the palace but instead chose the Ministry of Rites. All the previous formalities and receptions now seemed meaningless. As soon as the Liao envoys arrived, they immediately demanded: “Regarding the recent battle at Youzhou, our Liao army suffered heavy losses. How will you, the Song, compensate us for this loss?”

Such an accusation was outrageous!

Tang Shen, after all, was young and had only been an official for three years. He wasn’t thick-skinned enough, so upon hearing this, he felt a bit indignant.

However, Meng Lang and Yu Chaosheng were experienced. One played the role of the “angry” official, while the other played the “mediator.”

Yu Chaosheng said: “What is this talk from Yelü daren? The two countries, Song and Liao, signed a peace agreement twenty years ago, agreeing not to go to war, to live in peace. This was signed by your previous emperor himself. Does this mean that now that the previous emperor has passed away, the agreement is invalid? Now that your Liao troops have attacked Youzhou, how can this be blamed on the Song Dynasty? We have yet to settle this account with you!”

Yelü Qin sneered: “You still dare to mention our Liao’s previous emperor? The previous emperor was merciful and signed a peace treaty with your Song. But what has your Song Dynasty done in the past twenty years? Two months ago, a Liao official was killed on your land. You owe us an explanation!”

Just as Yu Chaosheng was about to retort, Meng Lang intervened to mediate: “Yu daren, what are you saying? Since the Liao Emperor sent emissaries and the Third Prince himself came, they must be sincere in negotiating with us…”

For two whole days, both sides quarreled about who was responsible for the Youzhou battle.

On the third day, the Liao were willing to make a concession. This was not because they had a sudden change of heart and were no longer shamelessly shifting all the blame onto the Song, but because on the northwest front, the Song army had launched a night raid, attacking the Liao camp and achieving a major victory. The Liao now realized that the Song Dynasty might not be as weak as they had thought. Twenty years ago, this country had defeated them.

The matter of negotiation was something Tang Shen could not interfere with. Just to make Liao admit their own mistakes took three whole days, with numerous Song soldiers losing their lives.

Tang Shen stood in the room, listening to Meng Lang and Yu Chaosheng recount the numbers.

These numbers were just cold facts, but beneath these silent numbers were the lives of countless people.

The Song Dynasty was wealthier than the Liao, and could afford to fight a war. But Song soldiers were not as experienced as the Liao troops, who had fought on the grasslands for years. They had money, but war was not just about money; it was about military strength.

Tang Shen stood quietly, listening attentively to every word, his gaze calm and distant, silently observing the every move and expression of Yelü Han and the others.

In the afternoon, a government worker called Tang Shen out of the room. He walked to the back courtyard of the Ministry of Rites and found General Li Jingde already waiting there.

Tang Shen immediately walked over and saluted: “Lower official Tang Shen, greets General Li.”

After several days of absence, Li Jingde’s jaw was now covered with a faint stubble, suggesting he intended to grow out his beard into a full one. 

Li Jingde said, “Tang daren, why so formal with me? I came today to thank you. You’ve been taking care of me all this time, and I feel I’ve been a burden. Tomorrow, I’ll be returning to the Northwest. If I didn’t come today to express my gratitude, I wouldn’t get another chance.”

Tang Shen was surprised. “General Li, you’re returning to the Northwest?”

“Of course. The Liao army outside Youzhou is stirring; I must go back.”

Li Jingde’s eventual return was inevitable, but Tang Shen hadn’t expected it to be so soon. He was curious about what Zhao Fu had said to Li Jingde that night at the Immortal Ascension Platform but had no way to ask. Instead, he said, “Then I wish you a safe journey, General.”

Li Jingde waved his hand and laughed. “Haha, I’ll take your kind words. By the way, I’ve heard people say that Tang daren is quite wealthy?”

Tang Shen grew cautious, unsure of the intent behind this sudden remark.

“Don’t worry,” Li Jingde said. “I’m just making conversation. No matter how rich you are, can you be richer than that guy Wang Zifeng?” He smirked. “Don’t be fooled just because he’s your senior brother. I’d say this to his face: his family is loaded, and now he’s the Minister of Revenue, helping the court make money all day. Every time we go to war, I have to beg him for funds and endure his attitude. That guy is really something else!”

Tang Shen only smiled silently, thinking, tonight, I’ll be sure to pass along your message to my senior brother.

Li Jingde sighed. “I’m no good at anything other than fighting. I’ve spent half my life doing it, and it’s all I know. Sure, our Song soldiers aren’t as strong as the Liao’s now, but I promise you, in ten or twenty years, our cavalry will be no weaker than theirs! But during these ten years, every battle we fight will cost a fortune. Winning a battle costs even more. Making money is up to you lot!”

Under the sunlight, General Li’s confident and hearty smile lit up his face.

Tang Shen gazed at the young general for a long moment before saying, “General Li, there’s something I’ve been very curious about…”

“Go ahead.”

“That day when His Majesty called you to the Immortal Ascension Platform, was it because I implicated you with the task of accompanying me to the guesthouse to host the Liao envoys?”

Li Jingde’s expression instantly became rather colorful.

Tang Shen pressed, “General?”

“His Majesty probably scolded him thoroughly,” a clear, low voice interjected from behind them.

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Tang Shen immediately turned to look and saw Wang Zifeng standing under a vibrant rose trellis, dressed in a deep red official robe. He held a folding fan in one hand, a faint, half-smile playing on his lips as he glanced at them. His gaze briefly settled on Li Jingde.

Li Jingde: “…”

Tang Shen laughed.

Well, it seems he didn’t need to deliver the message after all—Senior Brother already knows.

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Tang Huang: “The printing bureau is quite familiar with us, so producing some paper and ink for these leaflets doesn’t cost much. At first, these flyers were only distributed in our own shop, Xixia Tower. Later, Shopkeeper Lu used his connections with Prince Jing’s Manor to get the flyers placed in their Qianli Tower. Now, they’re in many shops along Zhengyangmen Street.”

Tang Shen thought for a moment and said, “What do today’s flyers look like? Bring one here for me to see.”

Tang Huang quickly went back to her room and brought out a yellow, rough-textured piece of rice paper, handing it to Tang Shen.

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Tang Shen carefully examined it, then smiled faintly. He hadn’t expected Tang Huang to make such effective use of supermarket-style flyers!

That’s right—these were essentially supermarket flyers.

After entrusting the management of Baibao Pavilion to Shopkeeper Lu and Tang Huang, Tang Shen had suggested they partner with a printing bureau to print supermarket-style flyers every three days and distribute them in shops all over Shengjing City.

It sounded simple, but it was an incredibly challenging task.

First, each customer entering Baibao Pavilion would receive a basket with a flyer inside. The flyer detailed that day’s discounted items and their prices. This part was straightforward. However, distributing the flyers outside the store to draw in customers was much harder.

Xixia Tower, being a Tang family business, easily allowed flyer distribution. But other shops—why would they freely promote Baibao Pavilion?

After much effort, Tang Huang and Shopkeeper Lu devised a strategy.

Customers who found a flyer in another shop, brought it to Baibao Pavilion, and wrote the shop’s name on the flyer would receive an extra discount. At the end of the month, Baibao Pavilion reimbursed those shops based on the number of flyers bearing their names.

The reimbursement wasn’t substantial per transaction but added up over time. For example, if someone saw a flyer in Zhang’s Bun Shop, came to Baibao Pavilion, and spent 50 copper coins, Baibao Pavilion would give Zhang’s Bun Shop 1 copper coin. If 100 people did this, Zhang’s Bun Shop would earn 100 coins.

More importantly, this was a risk-free arrangement for participating shops. All they had to do was accept Baibao Pavilion flyers and place them in their stores, incurring no cost yet earning money effortlessly.

Customers were equally incentivized by the additional discount, making them more likely to shop at Baibao Pavilion. Even if they didn’t find a flyer elsewhere, customers could still pick one up at Baibao Pavilion’s entrance for a discount.

When Tang Shen learned of this idea, he called his sister over to ask her about how she came up with the idea.

Tang Shen: “Why are we paying other shops money for nothing?”

Tang Huang: “If we don’t offer incentives, why would they distribute our flyers?”

Tang Shen: “But have you considered the possibility of losing money?”

Tang Huang, surprised, replied, “Losing money? Brother, what are you thinking? First, if a customer doesn’t see our flyer and come to Baibao Pavilion, we earn nothing. Second, the pricing and discounts are calculated in advance, factoring in all additional expenses.” The young lady smiled sweetly, “Do you think I’m a fool, or are you calling yourself one?”

Of course, Tang Shen understood her logic and the brilliance behind it but maintained a serious demeanor. “Is that so? Have you thought about customers colluding with shop owners? Customers could intentionally use a shop’s flyer to shop at Baibao Pavilion, and the shop could share part of the reimbursement with them.”

Tang Huang replied nonchalantly, “So what? All I know is that they’re shopping at Baibao Pavilion. Whatever schemes they come up with to split the rebates, it doesn’t concern us. If a customer who originally wouldn’t shop at Baibao Pavilion decides to visit, we’ve already profited.”

Tang Shen stared at his sister, making her uneasy.

“Brother, why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m wondering about the kind of man you’ll marry in the future.”

“You’re a fortune-teller now?”

“Not exactly. I’m just calculating how much it will cost me to support you if you are never able to marry.”

“…”

Thanks to Tang Huang’s innovative strategy, Baibao Pavilion’s business flourished. Customers who initially planned to shop at local stores would see the flyers and eagerly head to Zhengyangmen Street, drawn by the promise of additional discounts.

In just two months, nearly every alley in Shengjing City had at least two shops displaying Baibao Pavilion flyers.

Under the dim candlelight that evening, Tang Shen gazed at a flyer in his hand, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

The next morning at the guesthouse, a Liao guard, starting his shift, noticed a guesthouse worker delivering a stack of papers to the front desk. The worker took one for himself, leaned against the wall, and read it with great interest.

The Liao guard, intrigued but unable to speak Han language, swaggered over, shook his blade, and pointed at the paper. Intimidated, the worker handed him a flyer.

But even more baffled by the unfamiliar script, the guard took it to a Liao official, who, in turn, brought it to Yelü Qin.

By noon, Yelü Qin, accompanied by a few guards, discreetly visited Baibao Pavilion. Disguised in Song attire, he was astonished by the bustling store and its dazzling array of goods.

Upon returning to the guesthouse, Yelü Qin sought out the Third Prince, Yelü Han.

Yelü Qin: “Your Highness, the Song people may be different from what we’ve imagined.”

Yelü Han, just waking up, asked, “What do you mean by that, Han Office daren?”

Bowing, Yelü Qin explained, “Your Highness, although it is the duty of South Court officials like me to handle Liao-Song relations, I suspect the Grand Guardian and you were sent here to probe the Song’s strength and resources.”

Yelü Han was startled by how accurate Yelü Qin’s deductions were.

Yelü Qin observed the Third Prince’s expression and knew his guess was correct. He sighed inwardly—if it were another prince visiting the Song, would he have to waste so much effort? Yelü Qin continued, “I don’t know exactly what Your Highness and the Grand Guardian wish to uncover, but in my view, the fact that the Song Emperor hasn’t summoned us on the first day might not necessarily be a bad thing. They are waiting, and while they wait, we can use the opportunity to explore this Shengjing City!”

Recalling Yelü Yin’s words from the previous day, Yelü Han said, “But the Grand Guardian just said yesterday that this Shengjing of the Song is ours to inspect as we please in the future.”

Yelü Qin thought, fool! If conquering the Song were that easy, why hasn’t the Liao State succeeded in over a hundred years?

The truth was that even if the Liao defeated the Song, it would leave their empire weakened and vulnerable to neighboring enemies. 

Given that, why not periodically extort the Song instead? Without waging war, they could gain money and possibly territory.

This was the Liao’s current strategy. Their delegation had traveled thousands of miles to the Song because Youzhou had become difficult to capture, prompting them to negotiate with the Song Emperor for funds in exchange for withdrawing troops.

Yelü Qin added, “Today, I visited Zhengyangmen Street, the most bustling area in the Song capital. It is lined with shops and teeming with people, far surpassing the prosperity of our Zhongjing Dading Prefecture. Your Highness and the Grand Guardian should consider this. Understanding the Song’s wealth and strength is also a way to gather intelligence.”

In the afternoon, when Tang Shen arrived at the guesthouse with his entourage, he saw Yelü Han seated in the main chair, his expression haughty as he said, “What does it mean that the Song Emperor still hasn’t summoned us today?”

Tang Shen’s gaze swept across Yelü Han, Yelü Qin, and Yelü Yin before he calmly withdrew his eyes and bowed respectfully. “Your Highness, as a visiting envoy to our Song, you are entitled to be accompanied. I have been appointed by Meng daren of the Ministry of Rites to receive and attend to all of you. Today, I have arranged a banquet at the Qianli Tower to welcome Your Highness and the envoys. Your Highness may not know, but the Qianli Tower is…”

Tang Shen’s tone was measured, neither obsequious nor arrogant, patiently explaining.

After finishing, Tang Shen looked up at Yelü Han and asked, “What does Your Highness think?”

Yelü Han put on airs for a moment before exchanging a few words with Tang Shen and finally saying, “It’s not unacceptable.”

That day, Tang Shen successfully hosted the Liao delegation with a banquet at Qianli Tower in Shengjing.

The next day, Tang Shen devised a new itinerary, taking Yelü Han and his entourage horseback riding in the countryside and climbing Xuji Tower, a nine-story structure in the city’s north. This tower, built by Wang Zhen for Zhao Fu, was usually off-limits to commoners. However, Zhao Fu had specifically granted Tang Shen permission to bring the Liao delegation there, seemingly to let them witness the grand and magnificent prosperity of the Song dynasty from the top.

Over several days, Tang Shen handled every aspect of the delegation’s visit meticulously.

Li Jingde, however, was exhausted.

Returning to Qinzheng Hall, he removed his official cap and exclaimed, “This is more tiring than fighting a war! I never realized how hard it is to be a civil official. That Yelü Han is insufferable—every time I see him, I want to beat him up and kick him back to Liao. Tang daren, you’ve had it tough these past few days.”

Tang Shen replied earnestly, “You’re too kind, General. As a court official, it is my duty to serve the emperor and relieve his burdens. This is just part of my job.”

Li Jingde glanced at him and said, “You’re different from Wang Zifeng and Su Feiran. You’re a good person.”

Tang Shen smiled. “I’m just a minor fourth-rank official; I wouldn’t dare compare myself to my senior brother or Su daren.”

Li Jingde sighed, “Neither of them are good people. Don’t even mention that you are Wang Zifeng’s junior brother, I’d say this to Wang Zifeng’s face if I had to.”

Tang Shen thought, then why don’t you?

Li Jingde put his official cap back on and quietly slipped out of Qinzheng Hall.

That evening, Tang Shen visited the Minister Residence and wasted no time ratting out Li Jingde.

Little did General Li know, the “you’re different from them” Tang Shen had already spilled everything he said to Wang Zifeng.

Wang Zifeng sighed softly. “General Li seems to have misunderstood me.”

Tang Shen thought, I don’t think he misunderstood you at all. General Li may be simple and kind, but he’s not stupid.

Wang Zifeng said, “Little Junior Brother, it seems General Li likes you.”

Tang Shen replied, “…Perhaps because I’m good at talking?” Over the past few days, aside from hosting the Liao delegation, Tang Shen had also showered Li Jingde with flattery. After all, why not? Li Jingde was favored by the emperor. Having already offended Su Wenyun, Tang Shen saw no need to make another enemy. Instead, he sought to win over Li Jingde as an ally against Su Wenyun, should the need arise.

After drinking some tea, Wang Zifeng said, “You’ll have a lighter load tomorrow.”

Tang Shen was taken aback. “Senior Brother?”

Wang Zifeng smiled. “We can’t let Meng daren be idle. He earns his salary and should share the burden. If not, the censors might accuse him of dereliction. Don’t you agree, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened. “Senior Brother, you…”

Wang Zifeng poured him more tea. “This is Biluochun from Gusu this year. You’ve always liked it. Have some more.”

Tang Shen: “…”

So even if he hadn’t tattled to Wang Zifeng today, his senior brother would still have known everything that transpired in Qinzheng Hall.

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What duty to the emperor, relieving his burdens, part of the job…

These were the exact words Tang Shen had said to Li Jingde that afternoon!

Tang Shen felt a sudden sense of relief. Thankfully, when he had once speculated about “Wang Zifeng being impotent,” he hadn’t voiced it to anyone. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

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In ancient times without firearms, tigers and wolves were truly fearsome beasts. The gap between human physical capabilities and those of animals was immense. For instance, a tiger’s swipe could exert a force of nearly a ton, with reaction speeds three to four times faster than a human’s. Tales of ordinary people defeating tigers are mostly fictional and unlikely to have occurred in reality.

However, though Tang Shen said so, Li Jingde actually went along with it. The Third Prince of Liao, Yelü Han, burst into laughter, completely dismissing their words. He sneered, “Do all Song people boast like this? Even the best men of Liao dare not challenge a white-striped tiger. Song people are all talk—I have no respect for you!”

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Just as Tang Shen was about to speak, Li Jingde, already understanding his intent, stepped forward and declared, “That’s because your Liao lacks real heroes!”

Yelü Han’s eyebrows shot up in fury. “A mere Song official dares to provoke me?”

Nearby, Yelü Qin of the Han Office frowned in displeasure. 

Before he could intervene, Yelü Han waved his hand, summoning his most trusted guard to teach Li Jingde a lesson. “Zhigulu, deal with this arrogant Song man.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

A burly Liao soldier stepped forward confidently. He strutted toward Li Jingde, who smiled in satisfaction. “I’ve been waiting for you.” The two locked eyes before roaring in unison. Zhigulu lunged, his feet pounding the ground with enough force to shake it, grabbing at Li Jingde’s belt.

Zhigulu gripped Li Jingde’s waist tightly and tried to lift him off the ground with all his might. But to his shock, Li Jingde remained immovable, his legs rooted like ancient pine trees.

Zhigulu realized too late: This man is a trained fighter.

Li Jingde grinned. “My turn!” Mirroring Zhigulu’s approach, he grabbed his opponent’s belt. With his powerful arms and tensed core, Li Jingde bellowed, lifting Zhigulu off the ground with brute strength.

Zhigulu cursed in Liao dialect—words Tang Shen didn’t understand, but Li Jingde did. Offended, Li Jingde flung him to the ground. Zhigulu scrambled to his feet, throwing a punch at Li Jingde, who dodged nimbly and countered with a sweeping kick. The two clashed fiercely.

In the courtyard of the guesthouse, the fight escalated. Li Jingde’s crushing punch to Zhigulu’s stomach sent the latter stumbling backward until he fell heavily, spitting blood. Furious, Yelü Han berated Zhigulu in Liao, calling him useless. He then ordered another guard to step in.

But Yelü Qin intervened in Liao, advising, “Your Highness, do not be provoked by these Song men. That six-rank official is no true civil official but likely a military one. We came as envoys, not to engage in petty fights with minor Song officials.”

Yelü Han protested, “But he attacked my man! Should we let it go?”

Yelü Qin replied, “Your Highness, beware of falling into a Song trap. Our mission is to meet the Song Emperor, not to quarrel with these small-time officials.”

Yelü Han’s anger simmered as he glared at Li Jingde, who smirked defiantly in the courtyard. Instantly fueled by rage, Yelü Han declared, “Yelü Qin says that we Liao people came to the Song as envoys and didn’t bring along any true Liao warriors. Well, you’re wrong about that. I am the true number one warrior here! My royal father personally bestowed upon me the title of General Stonebow!”

Yelü Qin cursed internally, thinking, how did we end up with such a reckless fool like you?

But he said aloud, “Your Highness, with your esteemed status, how could you compete with that Song official? What qualifications does he have?”

 Yelü Han responded, “You need not say any more.”

Yelü Qin had no intention of letting him fight Li Jingde. Just as he was about to speak up to stop him again, a Liao official with a face full of thick beard walked in from the backyard. The bearded man, upon seeing Yelü Qin, snorted disdainfully, gave him a sidelong glance, and couldn’t even be bothered to look at him further.

His presence alone shifted the atmosphere. The Liao delegation, initially humiliated by Zhigulu’s defeat, straightened their backs, emboldened by the newcomer’s arrival.

The bearded official stepped before Yelü Han and addressed him in Liao, “Your Highness, Yelü Qin is correct. Why should you lower yourself to spar with a Song man?”

Yelü Han hesitated, “But…”

“Your Highness.”

Yelü Han relented, “As the Grand Guardian says.” (TN: title for a very high official in ancient China)

After the envoys of the Liao State had privately reached an agreement, the bearded Liao official turned around and looked at Li Jingde. His gaze lingered on Li Jingde for a long time before finally shifting to Tang Shen. “You are the Song official assigned to receive us?”

Tang Shen, startled, stepped forward and saluted respectfully. “This lower official is Tang Shen. May I address you as the prince, Grand Guardian Yelü Yin?”

Yelü Yin snorted, acknowledging his identity.

Tang Shen continued politely, “Our Liao guests have just arrived in Song. After your long journey, this lower official would not dare disturb your rest. Today, I merely wish to extend my greetings. Tomorrow, I shall accompany you through the splendid capital of Shengjing to showcase our great Song’s prosperity.”

Yelü Yin smirked. “There will be plenty of time for sightseeing in the future.”

Though the comment seemed harmless, Tang Shen and Li Jingde knew better. The phrase had been uttered many times on the battlefield, a veiled threat implying, once our Liao cavalry conquers Song, we’ll enjoy all its beauty at leisure.

This blatant arrogance made Li Jingde clench his fists. Remaining composed, Tang Shen smiled and responded evenly, “We have a saying in Song: ‘One cannot see Mount Tai with a leaf in the way.’ If you don’t lift the leaf yourself, how will you ever witness our glorious mountains and rivers?”

Yelü Yin snorted dismissively and no longer bothered with Tang Shen.

The Song delegation turned and left the guesthouse together. On their way out, some Liao officials tried to provoke Tang Shen and the others, but a single glare from Li Jingde made them shrink back, pulling in their necks, too intimidated to act arrogant.

Apart from the Third Prince, Yelü Han, the strongest warrior among the Liao present was Zhigu Lu. Yet, under Li Jingde’s hand, he couldn’t even withstand a single move. If this mighty Song official were to go to Liao, he might very well be appointed the top warrior of the Liao State by the emperor himself.

On their first day in the Song capital, Tang Shen used Li Jingde to severely dampen the Liao people’s arrogance, forcing them into temporary submission.

After the Song delegation left, Yelü Yin shot a sideways glare at Yelü Qin and said coldly, “You’re just a Han Office official. Mind your own business. Do you think you can command the Third Prince? Do you think you can stop him from doing what he wants?”

Yelü Qin lowered his sinister eyes to the ground and replied submissively, “Understood. Thank you for the reminder, Grand Guardian.”

Yelü Yin didn’t spare him another glance and left with Yelü Han.

Once alone, Yelü Yin’s face darkened, and he addressed Yelü Han, “Third Prince, we came to the Song State for a reason. Others may not know why, but surely you do? Before we departed, the Grand Preceptor instructed us to find out how the Song people managed to hold out in Youzhou for so long—where their supplies and military provisions come from. Is it really connected to the official road they built two years ago, or is there another secret?”

Yelü Han defended himself, “Grand Guardian, how can we, proud sons of Liao, endure such humiliation?”

“And what about the Grand Preceptor’s orders? Are we to ignore them?”

At the mention of the “Grand Preceptor,” Yelü Han immediately fell silent. Bowing his head, he replied weakly, “I will follow your guidance, Grand Guardian.”

After parting ways with the Liao officials, Tang Shen didn’t return home. Instead, he went directly to the Ministry of Rites.

Minister Meng Lang wasn’t at the Qinzheng Hall today but was in the Rites Ministry. Upon meeting Meng Lang, Tang Shen recounted the events of the day but concealed Li Jingde’s identity, simply stating that he had brought along a Song guard who defeated the Liao officials.

After hearing this, Meng Lang said, “Yelü Yin is the Grand Guardian, a northern official. The Liao court is divided into northern and southern factions. The northern officials hold power in the court, while the southern officials handle dealings with the Han. From what you’ve said, it seems Yelü Yin indeed looks down on the southern officials, including Yelü Qin. However, the northern and southern courts have always been at odds.”

After a pause, Meng Lang chuckled, “Tang daren, you are truly a pillar of the nation. Every time the Liao people come to our Song State, they are arrogant and overbearing. Today might be the first time they’ve suffered a setback.”

Tang Shen bowed and replied, “Meng overpraises me; I am humbled and fearful.”

“What’s there to fear? Others might say you’re just the junior brother of Wang daren, but after today, Wang daren will likely be known as your senior brother!”

The excessive flattery inexplicably brought Tang Shen a small sense of satisfaction, making him wonder if the day would come when Wang Zifeng would have to sing his praises. But then Meng Lang quickly turned the tables, saying, “Tomorrow, this task will still be yours, Tang daren.”

Indeed, nothing in the world comes free, not even compliments.

Tang Shen sighed, realizing he couldn’t escape the assignment. He accepted the order and left.

Meng Lang assumed that Tang Shen would have no choice but to lean on Wang Zifeng to complete the task. What he didn’t expect was that Tang Shen, after leaving the Ministry of Rites, quietly made his way to Qinzheng Hall. There, he saluted Li Jingde, who was sitting in the courtyard enjoying a large slice of melon.

“General Li, your bravery and prowess is unparalleled. I deeply admire you. If not for your presence today, we Song officials would have been humiliated by those Liao people.”

Li Jingde tossed the melon rind aside and clapped his hands. “Those Liao brutes are nothing more than brawny fools. What’s there to fear?”

Tang Shen thought to himself, you’re not much better than they are.

“Will the general be coming again tomorrow?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”

Suppressing a smile, Tang Shen bowed and said, “I shall await the general’s arrival at Qinzheng Hall.”

Although with Li Jingde to hold the front, with his position as a second-rank marshal, covering any incident, Tang Shen couldn’t simply shirk his responsibilities entirely. After returning home, he pondered how best to handle the Liao delegation the next day.

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As he was thinking, Tang Huang knocked and entered, holding a ledger. He handed it to Tang Shen—it was the Tang family’s quarterly account book.

Tang Shen quickly reviewed it.

Tang Huang reported, “Brother, after sending out those flyers you suggested, our Baibao Pavilion’s business improved by another ten percent! Shopkeeper Lu was full of praise today.”

Tang Huang mimicked Shopkeeper Lu’s voice and tone, saying, “If the little boss didn’t serve as an official and focused on business instead, our Tang family’s trade would have already spanned the entire Song Empire!”

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Tang Shen was startled and began to think. This was no ordinary place—this was the imperial palace. For someone to avoid the guards and enter the Qinzheng Hall in the heart of the palace so easily, this burly, bearded man might really be Li Jingde.  

Tang Shen nodded slightly.  

“I’ll let go of you, but don’t shout. I snuck in,” the man said.  

Tang Shen nodded again.  

The bearded man released him, and Tang Shen immediately took a step back, clasping his hands in a respectful salute. “Tang Shen, an official at your service, greets General Li.”  

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Li Jingde looked surprised. “You believe me just like that?”  

Tang Shen replied, “With the general’s skills, you could subdue me with ease. There’s no need to deceive me.”  

Li Jingde scratched his nose. “Fair enough. I heard that Meng Lang assigned you to handle the Liao envoys?”  

Tang Shen glanced at Li Jingde. Unfortunately, the general’s thick beard obscured his expression, even though his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes gave him a striking appearance. Tang Shen replied, “Yes.”  

Li Jingde said, “I’ve returned to the capital to monitor the Liao envoys. From now on, I’ll pose as a minor sixth-rank official and follow you around. How about that?”  

Tang Shen: “…”  

Before Tang Shen could respond, a chuckle came from behind them. Both men turned to see Su Wenyun leaning lazily against the corridor wall, openly eavesdropping.  

“General Li wants to sneak into the civil envoy delegation to spy on the Liao people? Forgive my bluntness, but your appearance might not pass,” Su Wenyun said languidly.  

Li Jingde snorted. “And what’s wrong with my appearance, Su daren? Are you suggesting that all Song officials must look like you, a delicate pretty boy?”  

Su Wenyun’s gaze darkened, and he narrowed his eyes, staring dangerously at Li Jingde.  

Li Jingde remained unfazed, his bearded face defiant, as if daring the other man to do something.  

After a long silence, Su Wenyun smirked coldly. “I didn’t mean that, of course. It’s just that the Liao envoys know General Li well. With your strikingly heroic features, the moment you enter the delegation, they’ll recognize you instantly, and our Tang daren here will be dragged down with you.”  

Tang Shen glanced at Su Wenyun. When did I become “your Tang daren”?  

Li Jingde was left speechless.  

Su Wenyun had a point. Li Jingde was the emperor’s personally appointed Marshal of the Western Expedition, who had long fought against the Liao army on the northwest border. His reputation among the Liao people was even greater than that of the Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji. If even one of the Liao envoys had seen him before, his distinctive beard alone would give him away.  

Tang Shen added, “General Li, your mission to return to the capital is meant to uncover the Liao envoys’ intentions. But if you’re recognized, it would defeat the purpose.”  

Li Jingde thought for a moment, then suddenly gritted his teeth and said resolutely, “If the issue is being recognized, I have a solution.”  

Tang Shen looked at him in surprise. Su Wenyun also seemed to realize something and smiled mockingly.  

Following Li Jingde’s instructions, Tang Shen waited for him in the garden of Qinzheng Hall. Half an hour later, a tall man dressed in a eunuch’s uniform approached, stroking his now clean-shaven chin. His thick brows furrowed so tightly they seemed capable of catching flies.  

Su Wenyun had left earlier, leaving Tang Shen alone to be stunned by Li Jingde’s transformation.  

Even knowing it was the same bearded man from before, Tang Shen froze for a moment.  

Li Jingde grumbled in a rough voice, “Will this do?”  

Tang Shen replied, “…It will.”  

Without his beard, Li Jingde no longer looked like a rugged warrior. Instead, his clean-shaven face revealed well-defined, sharp features that bore a faint resemblance to the resolute, broad looks of the Liao people. His sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes gave him a dashing air. Despite being 32 years old, he looked more like a 23-year-old, handsome young general.  

Even if the Liao envoys had met Li Jingde on the battlefield before, they wouldn’t recognize him now.  

Li Jingde, however, felt deeply uncomfortable without his beard. “Since that’s settled, I’ll accompany you tomorrow to meet the Liao envoys.”  

As a general of the second-rank, Li Jingde far outranked Tang Shen, a fourth-rank civil official. Tang Shen couldn’t refuse and could only bow in acknowledgment. “Understood, General.”  

The next morning, after court, Tang Shen returned to Qinzheng Hall to find Li Jingde already waiting in the garden, dressed as a sixth-rank civil official. Tang Shen wondered where he kept getting all these outfits.  

Meng Lang had tasked Tang Shen with receiving the Liao envoys, but naturally, he wouldn’t face over 30 envoys alone. After finishing his morning duties, Tang Shen led the group to the guesthouse.  

On their way, they encountered Wang Zhen, who had just left court, still holding his jade tablet and dressed in his official robes.  

Wang Zhen glanced behind Tang Shen and immediately spotted Li Jingde.  

Li Jingde cursed under his breath and tried to hide among the other officials, but Wang Zhen quickly turned his gaze back to Tang Shen.  

“Are you on your way to meet the Liao envoys?” Wang Zhen asked with a smile.  

“Yes, Wang xianggong, this lower official is indeed going” Tang Shen replied.  

“Do you have enough people?” Wang Zhen asked with a gentle tone.  

Tang Shen immediately understood that Wang Zhen had recognized Li Jingde despite his transformation. Internally, he marveled, even after Li Jingde became like that, Wang Zifeng can still recognize him?

Tang Shen composed himself and replied, “I believe we have enough people. Thank you for your concern, daren.”  

Wang Zhen smiled faintly. “I thought so. If you find yourself lacking, just like a washerwoman scrubbing clothes, you can always squeeze out a bit more and there will be enough.”  

The other officials were baffled by this cryptic remark, but Tang Shen’s eyes lit up.  

Their gazes met, and in that instant, Tang Shen understood Wang Zhen’s meaning: Meng Lang wants you to put me to work. Well, little Junior Brother, here’s someone you can put to work instead. Don’t let Li Jingde go to waste.  

If one is able to take advantage of others, naturally it is better than taking advantage of your own people.

Tang Shen smiled with satisfaction. “This lower official understands.”  

In the crowd, Li Jingde was dumbfounded. Understand? Understand what? What nonsense is Wang Zifeng spouting now? 

The procession left Qinzheng Hall and arrived at the guesthouse.

At the guesthouse, the officials announced their arrival, but after a long wait, a sixth-rank official returned with an awkward expression. “Daren, this lower official went to inform them that the Song envoy had arrived. However, the Liao envoy said their Third Prince has yet to wake up and will only come out to see you whenever he wakes.” 

The officials began murmuring in outrage.  

Tang Shen came to the guesthouse today to receive the Liao envoys. He was not merely representing himself but also the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. Even though Yelü Han was the Third Prince of the Liao State, he could not act so negligent!

Li Jingde was so angry his teeth itched, but Tang Shen remained calm and composed. He reassured the officials, saying, “Everyone, our Great Song is a land of comfort and stability, where the water and soil nurture its people. Visitors from other lands are often dazzled by the splendor of Shengjing, a city brimming with wonders unseen in Liao. What cannot be found in Liao can be found here, and where restful sleep eludes them in Liao, Shengjing offers peace of mind. His Highness the Third Prince rarely enjoys such a good sleep, unable to rise even when the sun is high. Why, then, should we trouble him and disturb his sweet dreams?”

Not far away, a Liao envoy overheard these words, his face darkening as he turned back inside.  

After a while, the Liao envoy exited the room and called Tang Shen and his group inside.  

As soon as Tang Shen entered, before he could take in the room’s furnishings, a mocking voice rang out, “So, this prince wondered who it might be. Turns out it’s just a lowly Song official. Yelü daren, as part of the Han Office, you often deal with those Han officials in the Southern Privy Council. Have you ever seen this frail little Song official?” (TN: refers to a political or administrative institution, often associated with ancient or historical Chinese governance. In Chinese history, the Privy Council was an important central body, typically tasked with military and administrative matters, especially during the Song Dynasty.)

In the main hall, a young man with a small braid and an air of arrogance sat in the central seat, looking down on Tang Shen and his entourage with disdain. He pointed directly at Tang Shen, who stood at the forefront of the officials.  

The young man was Yelü Han, the third prince of the Liao State. Beside him stood a middle-aged man with a sinister demeanor. Glancing at Tang Shen with dark, penetrating eyes, the man said, “Your Highness, I naturally do not recognize a mere fourth-rank official.”  

Yelü Han erupted, “Fourth rank? In our great Liao, such a person isn’t even fit to carry my shoes!”  

Tang Shen suddenly chuckled, drawing Yelü Han’s attention.  

Tang Shen bowed and said, “Your Highness may not know, but the customs of our Great Song differ from those of the Liao. Our governance also follows different principles. In the Song, each rank of official performs duties corresponding to their rank. But if we examine the situation closely, the difference isn’t that great. For instance, Yelü Qin of the Han Office is equivalent to a second-rank official in our Song. Thus, he represents the Liao Emperor, accompanying Your Highness to the Song court to pay respects to Our Majesty. In the Liao State, a fourth-rank official might indeed serve as your shoe-bearer. In the Song, it’s much the same. As an unremarkable fourth-rank official, I was sent here to receive you.”  

Yelü Han’s widened in a glare, preparing to explode with anger.  

But before he could, Tang Shen added, “And carry your shoes.”  

Yelü Han immediately calmed down, bewildered. His grasp of Han language was sufficient for daily conversations but inadequate for nuanced exchanges. Was this Song official mocking him, or did he truly intend to carry his shoes?  

Yelü Han shot a questioning glance at Yelü Qin, seeking guidance on what to do next.  

Yelü Qin sighed inwardly. He knew this third prince was physically strong but not particularly sharp. Originally, the Liao Emperor intended to send the wise and strategic second prince to the Song court. However, the third prince’s mother had whispered something persuasive to the emperor, leading to Yelü Han’s appointment instead.  

Forget it, debating with Song officials was evidently not Yelü Han’s forte; hunting tigers would likely suit him better.  

Turning to Tang Shen, Yelü Qin said coolly, “The Liao delegation has arrived in Shengjing. Why have no high-ranking Song officials come to receive us?”  

A Song official replied, “Yelü daren, your words are misplaced. Haven’t we come here today?”  

From behind Yelü Qin, a Liao official sneered, “Our third prince is here, and yet weak, useless Song officials like you dare claim to be a welcoming party?”  

Before the words fully settled, Tang Shen suddenly spoke up, “Weak and useless?”  

The Liao official froze, confused by Tang Shen’s fixation on this phrase. After a moment, he responded, “Yes. Our Liao warriors are generals of the grasslands, skilled in horseback and hunting. How could your Song officials compare? Aren’t you all weak and useless?”  

Tang Shen smiled. “I see. So, what this esteemed daren means by ‘useless’ is simply that in horseback riding and hunting, the Song cannot compare to the Liao?”  

Though the Liao official wanted to proclaim the entire Song as utterly incapable, he knew better than to say it outright. “Yes,” he replied.  

Yelü Qin frowned, sensing a trap.  

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Tang Shen raised his voice, stepping aside to reveal a tall figure. “Who says all Song officials are weak and useless? Horseback and hunting may be skills of the grasslands, but in our Song, even a minor sixth-rank official can slay a tiger with a blade and subdue a wolf with his bare hands. Li daren, am I right?”  

Li Jingde thought to himself: Slay tigers? Subdue wolves? You’re really putting me on a pedestal here!  

Still, he didn’t mind the flattery. Tang Shen clearly had good taste, which earned him some favor in Li Jingde’s eyes. Brimming with confidence, he declared, “Naturally, you are absolutely right!” 

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Because he had an unmarried younger sister at home, Tang Shen had taken the time to learn about marriage customs of the era.

Emperor Zhao Fu of Kaiping had decreed: “Men at sixteen and women at fourteen are permitted to marry,” meaning that boys could begin to get engaged or married at sixteen, and girls at fourteen. However, this didn’t mean that they must marry at those ages.

Tang Shen had previously considered keeping his sister unmarried until she was eighteen.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

In fact, it wasn’t uncommon in ancient times for girls to marry at eighteen.

Eighteen wasn’t considered old for a bride, though most girls would have been engaged earlier, only marrying at eighteen.

Men, on the other hand, had even more freedom—they didn’t hold the coming-of-age ceremony until twenty, and there were many unmarried men at that age.

But regardless, Wang Zhen was now twenty-eight, and still unmarried…

In the past, when Tang Shen interacted with Wang Zhen, since Wang Zhen was so elegant and handsome, he’d never thought of his senior brother as old. Plus, coming from a modern perspective, twenty-eight was still in one’s prime. But now that he thought about it, many officials Wang Zhen’s age already had children who were four or five years old—how was it that Wang Zhen didn’t even have a wife?

After pondering for a long time, Tang Shen suddenly blurted out in shock: “Could my senior brother be… impotent?”

Whoa, there was actually a possibility!

Tang Shen quickly shook his head, pushing this terrifying and bizarre thought out of his mind.

That kind of thinking was dangerous.

If Wang Zhen wasn’t impotent, and Tang Shen kept thinking that, only for Wang Zhen to find out, their senior-junior brotherhood might come to an end, and they could even become enemies. But if Wang Zhen was impotent, and Tang Shen somehow discovered it…

That would be even worse.

Tang Shen shuddered at the thought, mentally repeating to himself three times, “Whether Wang Zifeng marries or not has nothing to do with me,” forcing himself to forget about it before he could find peace.

At the start of the twelfth lunar month, the Liao envoy arrived in Shengjing and settled at the official guesthouse for foreign emissaries.

That morning in court, the officials engaged in a lengthy discussion on how to receive the Liao envoy. The officials present in Zichen Hall for morning court were at least of the fourth rank. However, this time, those officials of the third rank or higher were strangely silent, while those of the fourth rank eagerly stepped forward to present their recommendations to the emperor.

The Ministry of Rites’ Director of the Department of Guests raised his jade tablet high and stepped forward: “The arrival of the Liao envoy is a significant diplomatic event between our two nations. Although the Liao army is now stationed fifty li outside Youzhou City, eyeing it with hostility, our Song Dynasty, as the nation of rituals and propriety to which all nations come in homage, cannot afford to be negligent in this matter. I implore Your Majesty to immediately select someone to receive the Liao envoy.”

Another civil official then spoke in support: “Sun daren is correct. I also believe that the matter of receiving the Liao envoy is urgent. From what I understand, this Liao delegation includes thirty-two people, among them the Third Prince of Liao, Yelü Han, accompanied by the Han Office’s Yelü Qin. According to diplomatic protocol, our Song Dynasty should also send a prince in response.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the officials began recommending candidates.

Finally, Emperor Zhao Fu made the decision: “In that case, I shall assign this task to Meng qing. As for which prince shall represent us…” Zhao Fu paused in thought, then calmly said, “Let it be Zhao Shang.”

Minister of Rites Meng Lang stepped forward: “I accept the order.”

That very day, Meng Lang formed a reception delegation for the Liao envoy.

It was standard protocol for the Minister of Rites to be in charge of receiving foreign dignitaries. After accepting the task, Meng Lang gathered personnel from various departments. When Tang Shen was notified by a government worker that he had been assigned to this duty, he sighed and made some inquiries, discovering that an old acquaintance—Yu Chaosheng, Xu Bi’s prized pupil—was also part of the delegation!

In this reception team, Meng Lang held the highest rank as the second-rank Minister of Rites. Below him was Yu Chaosheng, the third-rank Right Vice Minister of Personnel.

Meng Lang summoned Tang Shen to the main hall and, in front of Wang Zhen, said, “The Liao envoy has already arrived at the guesthouse this morning, but we won’t officially receive them until tomorrow. The Liao people are hot-tempered, prideful, and mostly a bunch of muscle-bound brutes. Their Third Prince, Yelü Han, is a renowned archer, known for using a fifty-stone bow to hunt deer in the royal grounds. However, the accompanying Han Office official, Yelü Qin, is a formidable individual. Do not underestimate him.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Shen had a bad feeling.

Sure enough, Meng Lang continued, “For the next few days, Tang daren will be responsible for hosting them.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Wang Zhen was quietly reading a memorial, but when he heard this, his lips twitched slightly, though he said nothing.

Meng Lang deliberately glanced at Wang Zhen before turning back to Tang Shen. “Of course, our Song Dynasty will host the Liao envoy, but we must not appear weak. By delaying their reception, we show them that the Song Dynasty does not fear war and that we will not let them intimidate us. Since that is the case, no official of the third rank or higher should meet with the Liao envoy. Tang daren, you are a pillar of the nation. Three years ago, I personally reviewed the essay you wrote for the huishi.”

Tang Shen immediately bowed: “Meng xianggong’s guidance is a kindness I will never forget.”

Meng Lang smiled. “There’s no need for that. When I read your essay back then, I knew you were the only one for this task. Tang daren, I leave it all in your capable hands!”

Tang Shen was miserable inside but still outwardly accepted: “I accept the assignment.”

As he left the room, Tang Shen instinctively glanced back at Wang Zhen, who was wearing a deep red second-rank official’s robe, with a white jade pendant at his waist. Though Wang Zhen hadn’t lifted his head, knowing Tang Shen was still in the room, he continued reading and casually remarked, “Meng daren, it seems, is quite idle.”

Meng Lang chuckled, “Why does Wang daren say that?”

“Why don’t you come to my residence tonight for some wine? I have a fine brew from Pizhou, which I think will suit your taste.”

Meng Lang thought to himself, I messed with your junior brother right in front of you, and now you’re inviting me for a drink? That’s surely a trap! No thanks!*

“I have other matters to attend to tonight, so I won’t trouble you at your residence.”

Wang Zhen said no more. Tang Shen, as he was walking out, glanced at him. He knew Wang Zhen hadn’t been inviting Meng Lang, but him. So that night, Tang Shen went directly to Wang Zhen’s residence, where the steward had been waiting for him.

The steward led Tang Shen to the courtyard, where, despite the bitter cold, Wang Zifeng was sitting in the middle of the yard, wrapped in a thick cloak, brewing wine over a fire!

Tang Shen couldn’t help but laugh. “Senior Brother, it’s freezing outside—why are you making wine?”

Wang Zhen replied, “Didn’t I invite you for a drink tonight?”

Tang Shen thought: and I thought that was just a polite remark!

Wang Zhen had already prepared a pot of warm wine and personally poured a cup for Tang Shen. Wine in the ancient times was not very strong, so after drinking it, Tang Shen only felt a warmth spread through his limbs, filling him with a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Wang Zhen asked, “Is it good?”

Tang Shen praised, “Pizhou has always been known for its fine wine, and this truly lives up to its reputation.”

Wang Zhen replied, “This wine is from Jinling.”

“…Didn’t you say earlier it was from Pizhou?”

Wang Zhen casually said, “I was just brushing off Meng Lang.”

Tang Shen: “…”

You can’t trust a single word from Wang Zifeng!

After drinking the wine, they went inside. Wang Zhen asked, “About today’s events—do you think Meng Lang assigned you this task to spite me, deliberately making you do this job?”

Tang Shen responded, “Of course not. Meng daren is not someone who acts out of personal grudges. Although he can be a bit off-kilter at times and has teased me many times…” Tang Shen paused as he realized that, actually, Meng Lang was someone who acted on whims! After clearing his throat, he continued, “But Meng daren chose me for a different reason.”

“Oh?”

“First, Meng daren was right. If we’re going to stall the Liao delegation and give them a show of strength, the task has to be handled by a fourth-rank official, and only a fourth-rank official. A fourth-rank official isn’t high-ranking enough to lead negotiations, so the Liao people can’t do much about it; yet, a fourth-rank official also isn’t too low, so sending them won’t appear neglectful. Besides, I’m not the only fourth-rank official in the envoy team. I think Meng daren chose me because he also intends to borrow the influence of Senior Brother.”

The steward brought the wine furnace from the courtyard into the room, and Wang Zhen poured more wine for Tang Shen.

Tang Shen watched the pure white foam on the wine slowly rise in the bowl. After a long pause, he asked, “If I encounter trouble, something I can’t resolve, will Senior Brother help me?”

Wang Zhen didn’t answer directly but instead asked Tang Shen, “What does little Junior Brother think?”

Tang Shen remained silent for a moment, then raised his head, looking earnestly at Wang Zhen, and said, “Yes.”

Wang Zhen smiled lightly, “Then, I’ll listen to you.”

Handing this task to Tang Shen meant that Wang Zifeng was also involved!

Meng Lang couldn’t command Wang Zhen, but using this opportunity to have Wang Zhen work for him—why wouldn’t he want that?

Tang Shen sighed, “Meng daren is really cunning.”

Wang Zhen raised the wine bowl, took a sip, and smiled slightly without responding to Tang Shen’s remark.

Meng Lang, cunning?

Everyone said that among the ministers of the Six Ministries, Wang Zifeng was the one with the most devious mind.

Wang Zhen thought to himself: My little junior brother is clearly biased toward me. Meng daren, such a simple and kind-hearted person, whenever he tries to outsmart someone, he feels guilty about it. Yet my little junior brother thinks he’s the one who’s cunning. Aiya, his heart is completely on my side.

Meng Lang had a well-calculated plan, hoping to get Wang Zifeng to work for him. But the next day, as soon as Tang Shen arrived at Qinzheng Hall, yet to even figure out how to receive the Liao envoy, he noticed a sneaky figure lurking outside the quarters of the fourth-rank officials. Tang Shen grew alarmed. This person was dressed as a eunuch, but he was tall and even had a beard—how could he be a eunuch? Could he be an assassin?

Tang Shen slowly retreated, intending to find the guards to capture this person. But unexpectedly, the man turned his head and spotted Tang Shen. He squinted at Tang Shen for a moment, muttering to himself, “Nineteen years old, handsome, wearing a fourth-rank official’s uniform…” Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “It’s you!”

The man darted forward in an instant, trying to grab Tang Shen.

Startled, Tang Shen quickly tried to shout for help, but as soon as he got a word out, the man clamped his hand over his mouth. The man was tall, strong, and formidable. Even though Tang Shen wasn’t a child, he found himself completely unable to break free after being restrained, and could only be dragged away.

The bearded man pulled Tang Shen aside, covering his mouth. After ensuring no one was paying attention to them, he finally relaxed. He looked at Tang Shen’s wide eyes and said exasperatedly, “Tang Shen, Tang daren?”

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen remained silent, his mind racing.

“Hey, are you still suspicious of me?”

Tang Shen: “…”

Who wouldn’t be suspicious of an assassin acting all sneaky?

Bearded man: “My name is Li Jingde, you should know me.”

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