Da Tang Si Zi: My Six Super Rich Little Nuggets!

Chapter 198 To leave a pure legacy for one’s descendants, that is you alone!

On the night of the fourteenth day of the first month of the fourth year of Jinglong, the lanterns in Chang'an City were as bright as the sun, and the streets and alleys were bustling with people, just like the New Year.

Our young master was originally a boy from an ordinary family in Chang'an. He was nothing special and usually helped his family with errands and serving dishes. Unexpectedly, he was invited by the palace to do odd jobs and got a job taking care of the palace.

So, the young man also took the opportunity to see many sights that he would never have dared to imagine in his normal life.

Tonight, he was standing in a corner of the palace, watching from afar as Emperor Zhongzong and Empress Wei, dressed in plain clothes and protected by a group of guards in the shadows, strolled around like ordinary people.

Emperor Zhongzong had a smile on his face that said, "Eating dumplings makes me happy." Empress Wei, on the other hand, looked around with great interest, like a child. Under the lamplight, her face seemed to have a star aura, shining brightly. How could she be so beautiful!

Not only that, Emperor Zhongzong also directed the palace maids to skip and hop outside the palace for a stroll. The streets and alleys of Chang'an were like a bunch of colorful balloons suddenly released, flying around in all directions.

The young man stood there dumbfounded, thinking to himself, "The things in the palace are really mysterious. What do the palace maids play every day?"

He had also heard that palace maids, once they left, had not returned to the palace on several occasions.

That's a real disappearance, like a mysterious case! For a moment, the young man wondered to himself whether he could be protected in the palace: "Who knows?"

The sun was particularly bright on February 29th, so warm it felt like you could bake an egg in it.

Our young master arrived at the Liyuan Stadium in Taiji Palace early this morning to prepare for the start of the game. He is indeed a diligent child. Today there is a special event - Emperor Zhongzong is in attendance. All civil and military officials of the third rank and above have to participate in ball throwing and tug-of-war, making it look like a gymnastics competition.

The venue was bustling with activity; everyone was preparing, and the eyes of the entire city were focused on this place.

This match was truly a "fun show".

You might not believe it, but our Great Chong Dynasty's prime ministers, Tang Xiujing and Wei Juyuan, were clearly exhausted. Their physical strength was really failing; their backs were bent and their waists were hunched.

During the tug-of-war, the two of them suddenly fell over like two big tigers and bears.

Tang Xiujing and Wei Juyuan were like two big rocks being pulled by a rope, and they crashed down.

Tang Xiujing's face turned as red as a tomato. He tried to stand up by supporting himself with his hands, but his legs trembled and he couldn't stand up at all.

Fearing Yuan, his hat tilted and almost fell to the ground, smashing like a boiled egg. Watching helplessly as his hat nearly fell down with him was absolutely hilarious.

The young man watched from the side, his eyes practically sparkling, and he couldn't help but feel anxious for the two of them.

"Wow, the old man is really amazing. His stamina is even worse than my dog's."

However, the scene was so funny that it was like a big joke. No wonder Emperor Zhongzong and Empress Wei were laughing so hard in the stands that they almost fell off their seats. Empress Wei was laughing so hard that she covered her mouth with her handkerchief and laughed. Her appearance was simply too comical.

The other concubines and princesses in the palace also laughed, their laughter shaking the room, making the scene as lively as a spring outing.

Just then, the young man, standing in the crowd, suddenly sensed something was wrong. His head was buzzing, his vision blurred, and his arm suddenly shot up—before he even realized it, it traced a curved trajectory in the air, and a fallen flag was flung back into the air by a mysterious force! Everyone around was dumbfounded, their eyes almost popping out of their sockets: "How did this kid do that?!"

The funniest thing was that Tang Xiujing, who had just accidentally fallen, glanced at the flag that the young master had raised in that instant, and suddenly raised his voice:

"Hehe, not bad, young master. How about you become my secret arts consultant? You can definitely fly to the sky and dive into the earth!"

The young man was a little confused, thinking to himself, "I have no idea what's going on here?" But he was too lazy to think about it too much. After all, he realized that his special ability could not only make the flag fly, but could also create more surprises and fun in the competition.

Meanwhile, the tug-of-war on the field reached a fever pitch, making the princesses on the sidelines laugh like crazy, and the field was about to explode!

Also in the fourth year of Jinglong, in 710 AD, Emperor Zhongzong suddenly passed away. As soon as the news spread, the court was in an uproar.

Just as everyone was looking at each other in bewilderment, Song Jing was directly appointed as the Prefect of Luozhou. It was as if he had just leveled up in a game and hadn't even had time to celebrate when Emperor Ruizong of Tang, as if he had seen through the eyes of heaven, waved his hand and directly promoted him to Minister of Personnel and concurrently a member of the Chancellery.

Good heavens, he suddenly became the prime minister of the court, and also served as the right vice minister, and was granted the title of Grand Master of the Palace, responsible for tutoring Crown Prince Li Longji. His treatment was like a rocket, rising rapidly.

In this Great Chong Dynasty, the imperial relatives and princesses are fighting each other, and they only select their own relatives to appoint people. The common people are furious.

Upon assuming office, Song Jing formed an "iron triangle" with Li Yi and Lu Congyuan, overcoming all opposition and insisting on selecting virtuous and capable individuals and implementing a fair and impartial personnel policy. This move was like throwing a large stone into muddy water; the main purpose was not to create ripples, but rather to win praise from both the court and the public, which involved the issue of taking sides. In short, the wheel of fortune turns.

Unexpectedly, Song Jing and Yao Chong, in a moment of impulsiveness, suggested that Princess Taiping move to Luoyang, the eastern capital, in order to prevent her from threatening Crown Prince Li Longji.

When this news reached Li Longji's ears, he was extremely anxious, thinking, "Isn't this a trap for me?"

Without saying a word, he directly demoted Song Jing to the position of Prefect of Chuzhou.

Song Jing was probably quite helpless, thinking to himself, "What did I do to deserve this?"

But he was not discouraged and continued to serve as governor of Wei, Yan and Ji provinces, and also served as the Hebei Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. Later, he was promoted to Governor of Youzhou and concurrently Imperial Censor. He finally returned to the capital to serve as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy and concurrently as the Governor of Luoyang. However, after more than a year, he was transferred to the position of Governor of Jingzhao and then promoted to Imperial Censor.

He thought he could finally have some peace and quiet, but he somehow offended someone again and was demoted to Prefect of Muzhou, then transferred to Governor of Guangzhou and concurrently appointed Military Commissioner of Five Prefectures.

When Song Jing arrived in Guangzhou, he saw that the houses were all thatched huts, and once they caught fire, they would spread like dominoes and there was no way to stop them.

Thus came the story of his "Great Jing Controlling the Fire," which moved the people to tears of gratitude.

Song Jing experienced many ups and downs throughout his life, but his talent and integrity earned him high praise from many colleagues and later generations.

Su Wei praised him as "a true talent to assist a king," as if he were calling him a superhero of the imperial court;

Lu Huaizhen felt that he was "upright and honest in character, and steadfast in his integrity," which was practically the standard of a moral exemplar.

Zhang Shuo even praised his political achievements in poems, almost to the point of writing a rock song for him.

Liu Fang, Yan Zhenqing, and a large group of people praised his contributions and character, unanimously believing that he was a pillar of the country. The honors he received could fill a room.

Let's set aside the opinions of later generations from the Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and just talk about the current dynasty.

Su Weidao: "Truly a talent fit to assist a king!"

My goodness, Song Jing is definitely someone who can help the Emperor hold up the court; he's incredibly capable!

This is absolutely a great talent capable of assisting an emperor!

Li Longji: The ancients left their descendants a legacy of integrity, but you are the only one who has done so.

Look at Song Jing, he was truly meticulous, leaving behind a clean and honest reputation for his descendants. How many people in ancient times could leave such a legacy of integrity to their descendants? Others simply didn't have that awareness!

Of course, advantages are often also disadvantages. "He sells his honesty to gain fame" means that he wants to rely on honesty to gain a good reputation for himself. But is that wrong?

Lu Huaizhen: "Song Jingli was upright and honest, steadfast in his heart, literary talent sufficient for managing affairs, and insightful enough to assist the times. He acted only according to the right path and never compromised his principles. This was widely known in the court and among the people, and he was truly a minister of the state."

The little rhinoceros had to nod in agreement:

Song Jing is a really tough guy, very straightforward, has a good sense of right and wrong, and is very reliable.

He was well-educated, capable, and quick-witted, always able to offer advice to the imperial court.

He does everything with integrity and doesn't associate with crooked people. Everyone in the country knows that he is the pillar of our nation, and we can't do without him!

Liu Fang: "Emperor Xuanzong, with his martial prowess, revived the Tang dynasty. With virtuous ministers by his side, his power was absolute. Yao Chong, Song Jing, Su Ting, and others were all upright ministers who brought peace and stability to the court, ensuring that no one dared to covet the throne. When foreign invaders came, they were simply driven away; when the people were prosperous, they were simply taxed. Zhang Jiazhen and Zhang Yue followed, maintaining the status quo without losing power."

Emperor Xuanzong's ability to revitalize the Tang Dynasty owes much to the contributions of his ministers. Take Song Jing and his associates, for example; they were all capable and reliable, managing the court with impeccable discipline, leaving subordinates with no room for doubt. When foreign enemies came, they were easily defeated; the people were wealthy, and paying taxes was no problem. The ministers who followed were equally effective, maintaining this positive situation.

Yan Zhenqing: Alas! To risk one's life for others is a profound act of loyalty and righteousness; to remain steadfast to the death is the ultimate duty of a subject. Moreover, his writings encompass elegance and refinement, his teachings benefit all living beings, and with a single word, the world finds peace; embodying the nine virtues, the three luminaries (sun, moon, and stars) are restored to order. Who else could be so unrivaled and independent as the Duke of Guangping?

Song Jing is incredibly audacious, daring to defy the Emperor just to get to the bottom of things. His determination is truly admirable. He's learned and cultured, using morality to help the people and work for their welfare. In the court, he's a unique figure, unmatched by anyone!

In short, they praised Song Jing lavishly, saying that he was like a divine being sent down by God to save the Tang Dynasty, that he was born with good manners and was incredibly intelligent.

He was incredibly charismatic in the imperial court, fearless in the face of anything, daring to speak the truth, and indifferent to life and death, dedicating himself entirely to the court and the people.

His virtue is so good it could move the heavens, and his wisdom shines as brightly as the sun and moon in the sky. Who wouldn't admire him!

Li Xun: "Yao Yuanchong, Song Jing, and Liu Youqiu, some served as prime ministers for their generation, bringing peace and order to the country; others disregarded their own safety and sacrificed themselves for the country, achieving the restoration of the dynasty."

Yao Yuanchong, Song Jing, and Liu Youqiu were all great contributors to the Tang Dynasty. They either helped the emperor govern the country well or risked their lives for the country, making great contributions to the revival of the Tang Dynasty. They were all outstanding figures.

Li Jiang: "The Northern Qi dynasty was well-governed when Yang Zunyan (Yang Yin) was appointed, but chaos ensued when Gao Anagong was employed; the Sui dynasty was well-governed when Gao Jiong was appointed, but chaos ensued when Yang Su was employed; the state was well-governed when Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Yao Chong, and Song Jing were appointed, but chaos ensued when Li Yifu, Xu Jingzong, Li Linfu, and Yang Guozhong were employed."

The Northern Qi dynasty governed well when it employed Yang Zunyan (Yang Yin), but became chaotic when it employed Gao Anagong.

The Sui Dynasty governed well when Gao Jiong was appointed, but chaos ensued when Yang Su was appointed.

Our country governed well when it employed officials like Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Yao Chong, and Song Jing.

The appointment of Li Yifu, Xu Jingzong, Li Linfu, and Yang Guozhong quelled the chaos.

Look, it's the same in every dynasty: if you use the right people, the country will prosper; if you use the wrong people, things will fall into chaos.

Our Great Chong Kingdom is the same; with such reliable ministers, the country is stable.

If we encounter bad guys who are more clever than virtuous, the country will never be at peace. That's why choosing and employing people is so important. Xiao Si never expected that her young friends would become key figures who could put the country on the right track!

Xiao Si continued, "Bai Juyi once said, 'Have you not heard of Song Kaifu, the prime minister of the Kaiyuan era, who did not reward those who achieved border merits to prevent warmongering...'"

Our Governor Song was truly farsighted; he knew we couldn't recklessly pursue border campaigns, or the country would be ruined.

He governs the country steadily and doesn't get involved in any superficial or frivolous things. For that alone, we have to give him a thumbs up!

Yuan Zhen also said: "In the past, Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty obtained Yao Yuanchong and Song Jing, who were put forward to spread the great law to harmonize the gods and men. He also added Zhang Yue, Su Ting, Jia Zhen, Jiu Ling and others, who were able to keep things in order from beginning to end and never lose discipline."

It is said that Emperor Xuanzong had foresight, finding two great ministers, Yao Yuanchong and Song Jing, to help build the basic framework of the country. Later, a group of capable ministers helped to fill in the gaps and govern the country in a well-ordered manner. Song Jing's contribution to this was significant.

Cui Zhi: "Emperor Ming inherited the civil administration and the tradition. He had experienced the hardships of the Empress Wu Zetian's reign. At the beginning of the Kaiyuan era, he obtained Yao Chong and Song Jing and entrusted them with the administration. These two men were born outstanding talents. They always put the public interest first and worked diligently day and night to guide the emperor to the right path."

When Emperor Xuanzong first took over the throne, the country was in chaos. But things changed when Yao Chong and Song Jing, two capable generals, came to power. Both were natural talents, devoted to the public good in everything they did, working tirelessly day and night for the country. They brought Xuanzong back on the right track. Their abilities and virtues were impeccable!

Li Ang: "I have appointed a wise minister to seek out the descendants of the deceased. Some have lost their ancestral offerings, and their ancestral temples have been abandoned. For example, (Chu) Suiliang, who remonstrated with his official tablet and whose name is recorded in history; (Di) Renjie, who restored the temples and shrines and was a foresight; Song Jing, a civil official with integrity and whose achievements contributed to the peace and prosperity; and (Li) Yuanhong, who adhered to the established plan and whose work was timely and fruitful."

When they talk about the same things, their knowledge shines through, doesn't it?

"Du Mu also said that Song Jing, the Prefect of the State, was also a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination). He and Yao composed poems together, which led to the Kaiyuan era of peace and prosperity. ... All nineteen of these men were people whose lives, deaths, safety, order, and chaos were tied to the fate of the nation."

“Pi Rixiu’s passage is even more elegant: I have always admired Song Guangping as prime minister, for his upright character, strong and resolute demeanor. I suspected that he was of iron will and stone heart, incapable of uttering graceful words. However, upon reading his writings, I came across his ‘Ode to Plum Blossoms,’ which was clear, elegant, and rich in color, in the style of Xu Yu of the Southern Dynasties, quite unlike his personality. Later, Prime Minister Su appreciated it and praised it, and Guangping’s name became famous.”

He once admired Song Guangping for becoming prime minister; he was steadfast in his demeanor, strong in character, and resolute in his expression.

I suspect he is heartless and incapable of speaking tactfully or flatteringly.

However, upon reading his essay "Ode to Plum Blossoms," one finds it to be fresh, fluent, and magnificent, reminiscent of the style of Xu Yu of the Southern Dynasties, which is quite different from his personality.

Later, Su Weidao praised him after receiving the gift, and Guangping's reputation soared.