Moma Liangshan

Chapter 125 The Chen Family, Father and Son, Powerful Ministers Relying on Their Influence

On a sunny morning, Chen Song ordered his carriage to be prepared and headed east of the city. A little over half an hour later, he stopped in front of a villa. The villa wasn't large, but it was very close to the palace. Chen Song alighted from the carriage and gently knocked on the door knocker. After a moment, a servant opened the wooden door and peeked out. Suddenly seeing Chen Song, he was startled and greeted him, "When did you return, young master?" The servant's voice was high-pitched, clearly that of a young eunuch. Chen Song stepped inside, asking, "Is Father home?" The young eunuch replied, "Master has just finished breakfast and is having tea in the room." Chen Song, familiar with the place, walked quickly and casually ordered, "Have someone bring the things in!" The young eunuch hurriedly replied, "I'll do it right away!"

Passing through a greenhouse and down a corridor, Chen Song saw an old man brewing tea and drinking alone in the distance. The old man, with sharp hearing and keen eyesight, quickly heard approaching footsteps. Looking up, his face instantly lit up with smiles. He even put down his teacup and went out to greet him, calling out, "When did my son return?" Chen Song quickly went to the old man's side, then went back inside, saying, "Just arrived home!" The old man took out another teacup, filled it with brewed tea, and said, "My son, you mustn't emulate Yu the Great, passing your home three times without entering while controlling the floods!" Chen Song nodded, saying, "I've been managing the business for Young Master Wang, and the affairs have indeed been heavy, hence the delay." "Time!" said Eunuch Chen. "I know you've been busy; you even went to Liaodong before the New Year. Now that you're back, you must stay longer!" Chen Song smiled awkwardly and said, "I'll only stay for three days at most this time!" Eunuch Chen looked disappointed and asked, "Why so hasty?" Chen Song said, "Woolen cloth is all the rage in Tokyo, and those with the will will surely see the huge profits. Young Master doesn't want to monopolize the market, so he's preparing to publicly sell his woolen looms!" Eunuch Chen frowned and said, "Sharing profits with the world—our Young Master Wang is becoming more and more admirable!"

Chen Song said, "There is a great deal of disagreement within Jiaozhou about whether to sell the looms. If it weren't for your decisive action, young master, it wouldn't have been possible to make a decision so quickly." Eunuch Chen nodded and said, "The Song Dynasty lacks horses, but not sheep. It's just that the wool from the Central Plains isn't as long and soft as the wool from the grasslands. If Wang Hao monopolizes the wool fabric business, he can openly buy wool at low prices and sell the fabric at high prices, naturally making much more profit than selling the looms!" Chen Song slammed his hand on the table and said, "I have already explained this to you, young master." "But you say it's unwise to go against the general trend of the world for personal gain!" Eunuch Chen, becoming wary, asked, "Did he tell you what the general trend of the world is?" Chen Song, somewhat impatient, said, "It's nothing more than the war between Jin and Liao, and the Great Song may not be able to remain unscathed!" Eunuch Chen said, "The Great Song never intended to remain unscathed. The Emperor wants to send troops north to recover Youyun!" Chen Song said, "How could you not know the Emperor's intentions, young master? But you believe the Jurchens are cruel and warlike. If we allow them to annex the five capitals of Liao, they might use the power of their Liao conquest to invade the Great Song."

Eunuch Chen smiled casually and said, "His Majesty is wise and powerful; how could he not know this principle? But don't forget, once the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun are recovered, Nanjing and Xijing of Liao will be incorporated into the Song Dynasty. The Jurchens, who only possess the remaining three capitals of Liao, will at most be on par with the Western Xia!" Chen Song agreed, saying, "Young Master, your main purpose in vigorously promoting wool is to cultivate good relations with the various Mongol tribes. At that time, although the Jurchens are fierce, they will have the Mongols to the west and the Song Dynasty to the south, so they won't have much room to maneuver!" Eunuch Chen nodded and said, "This is precisely why His Majesty supports both Wang Hao and your Uncle Tong." Tong Guan and Eunuch Chen were both disciples of the eunuch Li Xian, making them true fellow disciples. Tong Guan was ordered to guard the northwest, and to prevent political enemies from taking advantage of the situation, he recommended Eunuch Chen to Emperor Huizong. In other words, Eunuch Chen's current position is entirely due to Tong Guan's efforts. Chen Song looked regretful and said, "Unfortunately, the young master and Master Tong have a long-standing feud, otherwise we wouldn't be in such a dilemma!" Eunuch Chen said, "In officialdom, one must be able to please everyone, but unfortunately, neither you nor I have the ability to lead, so we can only seek refuge in a better place."

Chen Song said, "Father, do you think the young master is more reliable than your uncle?" Eunuch Chen replied, "A scholarly family can last for generations, but a eunuch's honor and disgrace depend solely on the Emperor. Moreover, when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the first to be replaced are the various chief eunuchs. Although your Uncle Tong wields immense power, it's only temporary!" Chen Song understood and said, "The young master is entirely different. When he marries Princess Roufu, he will naturally become a member of the imperial family. As long as the Song Dynasty remains secure, he will enjoy endless wealth and glory!" If Wang Hao heard these words, he would probably only manage a bitter laugh. The Jin Dynasty was advancing unstoppable, the Liao Dynasty was struggling to cope, and the wheels of history rolled on relentlessly. How much time could the Song Dynasty possibly have left?

After a moment's thought, Eunuch Chen said, "Your Uncle Tong contacted me some time ago, wanting your help." Chen Song looked troubled and said, "He wants me to help him arrange for woolen looms?" Eunuch Chen nodded and said, "Exactly!" Chen Song said, "The looms are indeed sold by the trading company, but they are not produced. According to your wishes, young master, the looms will be sold in the second half of the year, and all the looms produced in the first half of the year will be kept in Jiaozhou for internal use." Eunuch Chen appreciated Wang Hao's shrewdness even more and said, "Wang Hao doesn't intend to monopolize the woolen cloth business, but he still wants to be the leader in it. However..." "Is that so?" Chen Song nodded and said, "Indeed!" Eunuch Chen said, "Your senior uncle sent people to Western Xia and the Hetao region three days ago to purchase wool. He's determined to get it this time. You'd better tell Wang Hao the truth, otherwise, if things really break down, I'm afraid neither of you will benefit!" Chen Song said, "Wool cloth is a crucial part of your young master's entire plan. If it's taken away before you even know it, you won't give in!" Eunuch Chen shook his head helplessly and said, "Your senior uncle Tong has successfully won over Cai Jing and Gao Qiu. They're both willing to contribute one million strings of cash each, each taking a 30% stake."

Leaving Wang Hao aside for the moment, Chen Song felt immensely humiliated and said, "Uncle Tong, this is blatant bullying!" Eunuch Chen said, "Even if this matter reaches the Emperor, Wang Hao may not gain anything." Chen Song was unconvinced and asked, "Why?" Eunuch Chen said, "The Emperor desires stability in the court. Only in this way can the direction of the Song Dynasty be completely controlled by the Emperor. Wang Hao's collusion with the Liao Kingdom has already shown the Emperor another side of him. Now, the Emperor not only supports Wang Hao but also controls him!"

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