"Sir, do you know Li Xianzhong of the Song Dynasty?" Jin Shengkui looked at Liu Aita's changing expression and asked tentatively.
Li Xianzhong was a famous general who fought against the Jin Dynasty in the Southern Song Dynasty, but his life experience was extremely unusual.
During the early years of Emperor Gaozong of Song, Li Xianzhong was forced to serve the Jin army after the fall of Yan'an. He later fled south, where his entire family, young and old, was tragically killed. He then sought refuge with the Western Xia, borrowing troops to attack the Jin. In the ninth year of the Shaoxing reign, Li Xianzhong defeated the Western Xia Iron Harriers and returned to the Southern Song.
After Li Xianzhong returned to the Song Dynasty, he resisted the invasion of the Jin army several times and was successively granted the positions of Deputy Envoy of Guozhou Tuanlian, Deputy General Manager of Zhejiang East, Weiwu Jiedushi, General of the Left Jinwu Guard, and Taiwei.
After his death, Li Xianzhong was awarded the title of Kaifu Yitong Sansi and posthumously named "Zhongxiang", which means he will be remembered in history.
Liu Aita blinked and said, "I haven't read much, so I didn't know about this before. But a few days ago, Mr. Jin was giving a history lecture and he mentioned Li Xianzhong, and I remember him clearly."
After a pause, Liu Aita added, "Of all those who return to the court with loyalty and righteousness, you are the most important. Is that how history books describe Li Xianzhong?"
One was a blatant probing move, the other responded with a smooth response. Furthermore, this wasn't just the first tentative conversation; there were also recent actions.
For example, Jin Shengkui's advice and Liu Aita's actions protected many Liao people and saved them from being massacred.
At this point, both of them basically knew what the other was thinking and couldn't help but smile at each other.
Jin Shengkui bowed and said, "I understand a little bit of what you are worried about, Your Excellency. But am I worried that the Ming Dynasty will bear a grudge and won't tolerate you?"
Liu Aita nodded with a wry smile. The most important point was finally guessed by Jin Shengkui and he said it out loud.
Simply having the resolve to rebel against the Jin and return to the Ming was certainly not enough. As the person involved, Liu Aita first had to consider whether the Ming army would believe his statement of "returning to the Ming." Even if they did, would it be merely a temporary solution? And who would guarantee his safety after his return?
You have to know that, given Liu Aita's current status, he, Li Yongfang, and Tong Yangxing are all die-hard traitors and shameless scum. He also fought for the Later Jin and intercepted fleeing Liao people.
To put it bluntly, Liu Aita's hands were stained with the blood of Ming Dynasty soldiers and civilians, which was very different from Li Xianzhong.
Seeing that his guess was correct, Jin Shengkui no longer hid it and told everyone the solution he had thought of.
"Your Excellency wishes to rebel against the Chinese by forming internal alliances to repay China. I am willing to work on your behalf to repay you." Jin Shengkui bowed and said sincerely, "Governor Yuan Keli of Denglai is not a pedantic person. I am willing to cross the sea to contact him and seek a pardon for your Excellency and a badge of honor."
Liu Aita's spirits lifted, but she was still unsure. She asked, "Master Yuan, can you trust my sincerity?"
Jin Shengkui said, "Master Yuan is not like those pedantic and stubborn civil servants. He is also the emperor's tutor and holds great weight in the court. If he is willing to accept you, you will be safe after returning to the Ming Dynasty."
Liu Aita thought about it and nodded vigorously, believing that what Jin Shengkui said made sense. Regardless of success or failure, writing to Yuan Keli was the best option.
Imperial tutor, your words carry weight in front of the emperor, so there should be no problem in protecting your own life.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Jin." Liu Aita stood up and bowed to express her gratitude to Jin Shengkui.
Jin Shengkui quickly stood up to return the greeting, thanking him profusely, but in his heart he felt happy and excited that he had finally persuaded Liu Aita.
Even if Liu Aita and Jin Shengkui had a change of heart and turned to the light, they would most likely not have gone to a hopeless Ming Dynasty. What ultimately prompted their decision was the hope of returning to the Ming Dynasty and the danger of remaining in the Later Jin Dynasty.
……………………Dividing line…………………………
The capital, the Forbidden City, and the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Wu Dazhang, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, kowtowed and stood up, bowing his head, waiting for the emperor to ask questions.
He didn't know why the emperor summoned him, and thought he was going to assign him another task, so he was not too nervous.
Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment and spoke slowly, "Mr. Wu, are you willing to give up business and join politics, becoming an official of the imperial court?"
Wu Dazhang was stunned for a moment, thinking he had misheard, and looked up at the emperor stupidly.
"Don't be surprised." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, "The crackdown on officials and businessmen will be gradually deepened, and the business activities of officials' immediate family members will also be prohibited."
My son?! Wu Dazhang suddenly understood. His son was an official, and his father was a businessman. This was indeed easy to give others a handle. He didn't care about himself, but when it came to his son's future, what could he not give up?
"Your Majesty," Wu Dazhang said, bowing. "Since the imperial court has forbidden this, I will retire from the business world and enjoy a leisurely life in the mountains and rivers, or retire to my home in old age."
Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "I'm not asking you to go home and retire, but to appoint you to an official position. Father and son serving in the same court will surely be a wonderful story."
"Your humble servant—" Wu Dazhang's fat face trembled twice, and he asked in disbelief, "Your Majesty wants to make your humble servant an official?"
Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "If you give up business and go into politics, you'll earn less money. Are you willing?"
"Yes, yes." Wu Dazhang nodded his big head happily and said, "Your Majesty, such grace is so great. I, your humble servant, will repay you with all my heart."
Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly and said, "That's good. You are well versed in business, and being an official is also related to business. As for the money invested in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, gradually withdraw it!"
After a pause, Zhu Youxiao continued, "As for future investment channels, I do not prohibit officials from participating, but they can only be in the form of equity, and are not allowed to get involved in commercial operations."
Investment channels? It seems that the Development Bank Group that is being prepared was founded by the emperor.
Wu Dazhang's eyes rolled, and he thought he had guessed the emperor's thoughts and understood the emperor's hint. It's just an investment, as long as you are happy.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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