Zhang Shixun was not surprised by Nie Shan's death.
The "History of Song Dynasty" clearly records the ending of Nie Shan.
When the Jin army besieged the city, Nie Shan was one of the few pro-war factions in the court. He was killed by a rebel general in Hedong when he was ordered to leave the capital.
Historically, Nie Shan has been praised favorably, especially by Li Gang, who was highly praised: "He cursed the enemy with his eloquence, and wrote on the wall with his blood. His heroic deeds are as great as the sun and the sky. He was righteous and loyal, and his dedication was unwavering. He held the book of life and death, preserving the principles of the past and present. His dignified portrait shines brightly under the sun and the moon."
Zhang Shixun and Nie Shan did not have much interaction. There was no private communication between them, and there was no friendship to speak of.
Despite this, he still felt sorry for Nie Shan's death.
"Your Excellency, there are countless victims in and around the capital. We have seen this and are deeply concerned. That's why we decided to organize a charity performance to raise funds for the victims. We're gathering here to prepare for it."
Zhang Shixun's tone was icy. "The so-called 'gathering a crowd to make a commotion' is a false charge. I cannot bear the responsibility."
Wang Shiyong said, "Disaster relief is the government's responsibility. You're just an unemployed person at home, aren't you worrying too much?"
"Everyone has compassion. We are kindhearted and willing to do our bit to help the victims. What's wrong with that?"
Wang Shiyong pointed at the dazzling advertisement in the air and said in a slow tone, "Zhang Shixun, I know you are the Imperial Preceptor appointed by the Emperor Retired, and you have some experience..."
"You're wrong. I'm not a Taoist priest. I don't have any Taoist skills."
"If it's not Taoism, then it's an illusion."
"It's not some illusion."
Wang Shiyong looked at him helplessly, "No matter what it is, please take it. This thing is too conspicuous. If it alarms the emperor, neither you nor I can afford the consequences."
"We organized the charity performance to help the government, so why would he blame us?"
"Don't try to be unreasonable."
Zhang Shixun sneered, "My Lord, let me tell you the truth. We have to hold today's charity performance."
When Wang Shiyong heard this, he became furious.
"Zhang Shixun, do you think I can't do anything to you?"
"What do you have in mind? Tell me what you have in mind."
"I……"
Wang Shiyong really didn't dare to do anything to him.
He has lived in the capital for a long time, so how could he not know about Zhang Tianshi's magical powers?
He saw the Lantern Festival performance with his own eyes.
The person who could bring down the fairyland was not someone he could afford to offend.
Zhang Shixun saw that everyone had stopped and was staring at this side, so he waved his hand at them and said, "Don't stop, continue rehearsing."
"You...!" Wang Shiyong couldn't help but tremble with anger when he saw him being so confident.
Zhang Shixun snorted coldly and ignored him, shouting towards the stage, "Feng Erlang, that's your biological brother, how did you prick his ear and make it bleed?"
Feng Erlang on the stage, holding a flying knife in his hand, said awkwardly: "Master Zhang, I'm a little distracted today."
Zhang Shixun glanced at Wang Shiyong and began to order him to leave. "Wang Fuzun, you are disturbing the artists' performance here. Please leave. Otherwise..."
He stopped talking halfway through.
What is certain is that there are definitely no good words.
Wang Shiyong knew that he could not stay any longer. If Zhang Shixun said anything embarrassing again, he would be the one to be embarrassed.
Everyone knew about Zhang Shixun's supernatural powers, and Wang Shiyong certainly knew it too. The "technique of summoning heavenly thunder" alone could kill a mule instantly.
Wang Shiyong knew that he was no match for the mule, and he had some self-awareness, so he really didn't dare to anger this plague god.
"snort!"
He flicked his sleeves and turned away.
Everyone was stunned by the scene before their eyes.
He was the prefect of Kaifeng, but Zhang Tianshi didn't even give him any face and just drove him away.
What everyone didn't know was that Wang Shiyong brought people to the Lotus Shed not voluntarily, but on orders.
Zhang Shixun made such a big fuss that the emperor Zhao Huan was also alarmed. At first he thought it was a good omen from heaven, but later he found out that it was Zhang Shixun's doing, and he couldn't help but have a headache.
He had been very interested in Zhang Tianshi since he was the crown prince. After ascending the throne, he once wanted to recruit him for his own service, but was stopped by Shangshu Zuo Cheng Geng Nanzhong, who said, "Zhang Shixun's background is unclear. He is good at using Taoism to deceive the people and has no loyalty to the emperor. The retired emperor did not dare to use him when he was on the throne. Your Majesty has no reason to use him."
When the Jin soldiers besieged the city, Zhao Huan was desperate and tried every possible means to help. He once again wanted to use Zhang Shixun, but was stopped by his ministers.
This time, Zhang Shixun made such a big noise that Zhao Huan could see the dazzling advertisements even from the palace.
He had no choice but to call Wang Shiyong, the prefect of Kaifeng, to stop it.
Wang Shiyong failed to stop it and had to go to the palace to report.
Zhao Huan had no choice but to call in the Prime Minister Li Bangyan and the Junior Prime Minister Zhang Bangchang to discuss countermeasures together.
Li Bangyan said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Shixun is not suitable for use, but he cannot be offended either. Just issue an imperial decree to reprimand him."
Zhang Bangchang shook his head and said, "This man is a demon. We must not allow him to do as he pleases."
Zhao Huan hurriedly asked, "What do you think should be done?"
"Well...let's have Kaifeng Prefecture detain him first."
Wang Shiyong got anxious when he heard this. "Mr. Zhang, you're talking nonsense. Zhang Shixun has great magical powers and can summon thunder. You want me to catch him. Aren't you pushing me into the fire pit? You should go and catch him."
Zhang Bangchang said angrily, "As the prefect of Kaifeng, it is your duty to maintain public order."
"That being said, if we anger that big beast, who will be held responsible if something goes wrong?"
Zhao Huan saw the two arguing, rubbed his temple, and stopped them, saying, "Alright, stop arguing. Zhang Shixun's actions may be too blatant, but he's doing it under the pretext of disaster relief. If we arrest him for this, it will easily arouse public outrage."
Li Bangyan nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right. Half of Kaifeng City has been alarmed, and many people are flocking to the Lotus Pavilion. If we don't handle it properly, it could easily cause trouble... Your Majesty, isn't he going to provide disaster relief? Why don't we get ahead of him and open the granaries to distribute relief? This way, we can both demonstrate your Majesty's love for the people and suppress Zhang Shixun's momentum."
Zhao Huan spread his hands and said, "There's very little food left in the granary now. We have to keep some for emergencies. There's no extra food to give out for relief."
Everyone was silent.
Just when they were at their wit's end, Li Gang arrived.
As soon as he entered, he said, "Your Majesty, Zhang Shixun has organized a charity performance with great fanfare to help the victims. The court should also take action."
Zhao Heng smiled wryly and said, "Aren't we just discussing countermeasures? Li Qing, you've arrived just in time. Let me ask you, what are your thoughts on Zhang Shixun's actions?"
Li Gang didn't even think twice and blurted out, "At least from the perspective of the matter itself, it's a good thing."
Li Bangyan said, "If Zhang Shixun really wanted to help the emperor, the court should have stepped in to organize it."
Li Gang asked in return: "If the imperial court were to intervene, could it be organized?"
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