Chapter 71. Di Qing, this is all I can do for you...
Nong Zhigao?
Upon hearing Mei Yaochen's words, Fusu paused for a moment, feeling as if he had seen the name somewhere before. There did seem to be a rebellion during Emperor Renzong's reign. But like in other dynasties, unrest on the southwestern border was commonplace. Why was this person different, able to leave a trace in his mind?
"What happened? Why did they suddenly rebel? Is it serious?" he asked.
Mei Yaochen said, "What's so good about it? When have they ever been well-behaved?"
In later generations, Yunnan Province was also one of the regions with the largest distribution of ethnic minorities. During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was home to many small kingdoms such as Champa, Dali, and Jiaozhi.
Historically, when the Central Plains dynasties were powerful, they outwardly submitted and paid tribute. However, once the central government weakened and was unable to control and govern them, they became highly autonomous and refused interference from the Central Plains dynasties.
In the eyes of Mei Yaochen, a native Confucian scholar from the Central Plains, the small border states were like a thorny potato, difficult to handle and hard to let go of. But for the sake of the political correctness of "pacifying distant peoples" and "being in the North Star while all other stars revolve around the moon" since ancient times, he had no choice but to devote his energy to dealing with them properly.
But in Fusu's eyes, it was quite different.
Don't forget, his cotton seeds were shaken off from the tributes of these small countries. Not to mention the abundant produce of the southwest, with dozens of kinds of fruit alone. If they were transplanted to the Central Plains... not to mention others, Su Shi would definitely be in for a treat.
But Fusu still couldn't find the reason why this battle had left a mark on him, so he inquired about the causes and consequences in detail. When he learned that the local rebellion had captured several counties, even killing a prefect, and that Nong Zhigao himself had declared himself emperor, he was shocked.
“Now we have no choice but to quell the rebellion, right?” he asked.
"yes."
Fusu blinked: "Then, Mr. Mei, do you know who the general who led the suppression of the rebellion is?"
“This matter is of military importance. How could I, a mere scholar, know about it?” Mei Yaochen said. “This matter is beyond our control. I am merely reminding you that you should be prepared regarding matters concerning the border.”
"As for who the commander-in-chief will be, His Majesty is probably discussing it with the ministers in the Chui Gong Hall right now?"
Mei Yaochen gave a meaningful look—"Zhao Xiaolang, if you have the ability and connections, you can inquire for yourself."
Fusu understood the hint and returned a glance.
Received! I'll go find out right away!
However, his methods of gathering information differed from others. While others relied on rumors and speculation, he directly inquired through letters home.
Your Majesty? Am I no longer your most beloved son, the heir you placed your hopes on? You kept Nong Zhigao's betrayal completely from me? I only found out from Dr. Mei!
No, Your Majesty, you must compensate me! You must tell me top-secret military intelligence, the kind that no one else knows! And could you also reveal who the commander-in-chief is in suppressing the rebellion in Guangnan? I promise I won't tell anyone!
In his letter, Fusu threw a tantrum, acting out his insatiable curiosity to the point that even he couldn't stand it. He was extremely careful when sealing the envelope and applying the sealing wax—afraid that someone might accidentally see it and ruin his reputation.
As evening approached, he entrusted Liang Huaiji to deliver the letter to the palace. He received a reply the next morning.
Liang Huaiji, still covered in fresh dew, pulled an envelope from his pocket: "His Majesty has asked me to instruct that no one else should see this."
Fusu's eyes lit up immediately: Oh wow!
What does this mean? It means there must be something good inside.
He eagerly tore it open, and with a "snap," a roll of exceptionally fine parchment fell out. Upon seeing this, Liang Huaiji quickly covered his eyes and turned away. Despite his overreaction, Fusu could only praise him for doing the right thing.
Because what's on that parchment?
It's a map of the southern part of the Great Song Dynasty!
How precious is it? Even the generals leading the expedition to quell the rebellion could only possess one. And it was the kind that had to be returned to the emperor after use. Fusu's soft little hands stroked the parchment, his gaze sweeping over the names of the prefectures, counties, and countries on it, some familiar, some unfamiliar. To give him even this—the officials were really too kind to him, weren't they?
Fusu thought to himself.
He then pulled out the letter from the envelope. It was a thin sheet of paper, and when unfolded, it was indeed written in elegant and familiar official handwriting.
Su'er, it's not that I deliberately didn't tell you this, it's just that it's really hard to say. Firstly, you're busy with your studies, and I really shouldn't worry about you anymore. Secondly, this matter was actually handled poorly by me, and out of my pride as a father, I kept it from you. But since you asked, I'll tell you now.
Fusu's body trembled slightly, and he quickly continued reading: What were the causes and consequences that made Emperor Renzong admit that he had "mishandled" the situation?
It turns out that Nong Zhigao was a descendant of a Zhuang chieftain from Guangyuan Prefecture. His family had submitted to the Song Dynasty and was a Tusi (chieftain) family officially granted titles by the Song court. Logically speaking, Nong Zhigao should have rightfully succeeded to the throne after his father's death.
That's where the problem lies.
Nong Zhigao's father died, but it was an unnatural death. He was murdered by Jiaozhi (Vietnamese). After Nong Zhigao himself requested to be submitted to the Song Dynasty, the Song Dynasty refused, wanting to appease the situation. He had no choice but to endure the hatred of his father's murder and surrender to Jiaozhi. However, recently, due to some conflicts, he could no longer tolerate it, and his pent-up power erupted, leading him to rebel against both Jiaozhi and the Song Dynasty.
At this point, Emperor Renzong seemed to harbor remorse. "My lord Su'er," he wrote, "while the decision to appease the situation was indeed reached through discussions among the ministers, the final say rested with me, and I am truly to blame. However, at that time, the Song and Xia dynasties were locked in fierce combat, and the Ly dynasty of Jiaozhi seemed to be aware of the matter, frequently causing trouble in the south. I thought I would endure this humiliation for the time being, and after the northwest was pacified, I would slowly pacify the south. Who knew that this would sow the seeds of future disaster for the nation?"
After reading it, Fusu let out a long sigh.
In his letter, Emperor Renzong took the blame for the disaster. But was the trouble truly due to his own misjudgment, as he claimed? From an omniscient perspective, yes. However, given the Emperor's position at the time, the war between the Song and Xia dynasties in the north was already extremely tense, requiring a new policy to address the deep-seated problems. Was he really going to risk fighting on two fronts by displaying his prowess in the south?
The only mistake the emperor made was misjudging Nong Zhigao. He was indeed a capable man. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to accumulate his own power even while relying on Jiaozhi, and after rebelling against the Song Dynasty, he would have captured several cities in succession.
But this wasn't the only thing that moved Fusu.
He took the thin sheet of paper, walked to the window, and gazed at it in the rising sunlight for a while. Strictly speaking, this was an "edict of self-reproach," and what was even more commendable than the public edicts of self-reproach of previous dynasties was that it was a private letter to his family.
What's even more commendable is that it's a dignified ruler and father reflecting on his own merits and demerits to his son. There's not a trace of pretense; it's all genuine, unadulterated emotion.
If this letter were to circulate, Emperor Renzong's reputation would surely rise to another level.
Fusu stood by the window for a while, then carefully tucked the letter deep into the bookcase. Whether to make it public or not could wait. At least he wanted to keep it safe.
Then he read the next sheet of paper—
Su'er, this is roughly the story of Nong Zhigao's past. Although I admire his youthful courage, his killing of the prefect has damaged the prestige of the nation, and the Song Dynasty must send troops to quell the rebellion no matter what. I have already discussed with the ministers the selection of generals to quell the rebellion, and both Minister Yan and Minister Fu have recommended Ministers Fan Zhongyan and Han Qi.
Fan Qing and Han Qing are excellent candidates, but the Liao and Xia armies are currently locked in fierce fighting, and the northern border can hardly function without their personnel; otherwise, both countries would be suspected of harassing the border. Su'er, now that you have discovered Wang Anshi, could you recommend one or two more generals to me?
Fusu was both amused and exasperated.
What does the Emperor take him for? Leaving aside historical factors, the only Song Dynasty officials he knows by name are Yan Shu, Fu Bi, Song Qi, Sima Guang, and Wang Anshi. His recommendation of Wang Anshi last time was purely coincidental, stemming from his acquaintance with Apu.
But... But...
If it were to be the suppression of the rebellion in Guangnan this time, Fusu would indeed have someone in mind.
Because he had remembered why he had specifically remembered the tongue-twisting and uncommon name "Nong Zhigao"!
—Di Qing!
The one who defeated Nong Zhigao was Di Qing!
This was one of the most famous generals of the Northern Song Dynasty. To be able to become the Privy Councilor in the Song Dynasty, which valued civil affairs over military affairs, one doesn't need to say how valuable his position was.
He rose to prominence during the Battle of Haoshuichuan in the Song-Xia War. If I remember correctly, he was also appreciated by Fan Zhongyan, who gifted him a copy of the *Spring and Autumn Annals*. This shows how highly regarded he was. As for now? He seems to still be stationed on the northwestern border, and has not yet gained widespread fame in the court.
Therefore, Fusu wrote in his reply that Han Qi could not leave the Northwest, but his subordinates could!
As for which subordinate is more capable?
Why don't you ask the amazing Fan Zhongyan?
As for worrying that his subordinates lack reputation and prestige and cannot control the army suppressing the rebellion? That's easy, just choose a capable person with a fierce appearance who can keep the people in check.
Fusu's letter lacked objectivity and was entirely driven by personal bias. A close reading of the entire letter reveals only a few key words:
—Di Qing, this is all I can do to help you!
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Author's Note: *The Nong Zhigao Rebellion in history occurred eight years later, but this story moves it forward.
Fusu's comment about Di Qing's "fierce appearance" stems from the fact that Di Qing had previously committed a crime by fighting with someone, resulting in tattoos on his face that made him look fierce.
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