Chapter 64

When the renowned minister Zong Ze left his post, the one who succeeded him was the Yongning County Prince, who had been a scourge to the capital for over a decade. When this news spread through the streets and alleys, everyone felt as if a thick cloud had suddenly covered their heads. Some of the more straightforward people even cursed the emperor as a昏君 (foolish ruler).

It was one thing for the young county prince to be idle, but it was even more foolish for the emperor to appoint him as the Prefect of Kaifeng. Wasn't this going to bring the people of Bianliang to their knees?

When the young county prince had no official position, he led a gang of lackeys to harass merchants. Now that he was appointed as the Prefect of Kaifeng, wouldn't he become even more reckless?

For a moment, many people exclaimed, "The wolf is here! The young county prince has transformed from a hunting dog into a big gray wolf. With his appetite, how much will he have to swallow to be satisfied?"

"Did you hear? The young county prince is the new Prefect of Kaifeng!"

"Such a big deal, how could I not have heard? Well, if the young county prince can be the Prefect of Kaifeng, then I could be one too, right? Really... really... the emperor is being foolish..."

"Shh, don't say too much, be careful what you say. In these times, just live one day at a time!"

The common people had long lost hope in the current officials. With Liang Shicheng openly selling official positions and no one stopping him, it wasn't surprising that the emperor would appoint Zhao Yougong to Kaifeng. Most people thought Zhao Yougong must have spent a lot of money, but this time they were wrong. If he could, he would rather not take this position.

In the Xie Fang Tower, the boudoir was elegant, and the music was soothing. Shishi's delicate fingers plucked the strings, but her brows were furrowed with worry. What was the emperor thinking? How could the Yongning County Prince be the Prefect of Kaifeng?

In the streets and alleys, teahouses and taverns, the air was filled with discussions, most of which were mocking the court and criticizing Zhao Yougong. No one thought this was a good thing. If the young county prince were to serve for a few years, who knew what Kaifeng would become.

Zhao Yougong paid no attention to what people were saying. The next day, he went to the palace to thank the emperor and then prepared to take over the Prefect of Kaifeng.

In the late Northern Song Dynasty, the Three Provinces and Six Ministries had become largely ceremonial, replaced by the Chancellery, the Military Council, and the Three Boards, which handled politics, military, and finance, respectively. The Prefect of Kaifeng, however, was different. He was in charge of all administrative, judicial, and civil affairs in Bianliang, and in some ways, combined the duties of the Chancellery and the Three Boards. Since the Prefect's office was southwest of the Chancellery and the Military Council, it was also known as the "Southern Office."

The Prefect's office was built according to the old imperial palace standards, with the main gate, the ceremonial gate, the main hall, the council hall, and the Plum Blossom Hall, making it a mini-court in Bianliang. Because of this, the position of Prefect of Kaifeng was very important. Those who succeeded him often became emperors or prime ministers, but Zhao Yougong was an exception.

Dressed in a red official robe, a white jade belt, and a black official hat, Zhao Yougong walked with the long wings of his hat swaying. Despite his imposing attire, he looked out of place, with his head tilted and scratching his ear, lacking any dignity.

In contrast, Xiao San adapted much better. The young county prince didn't seem too happy about being the Prefect, but Xiao San had already put on a Prefect's uniform and was strutting around. Despite his thin frame, he looked quite imposing.

Arriving at the main gate, Zhao Yougong swaggered in. A group of people was already waiting in the courtyard. As soon as they saw the young county prince, they rushed over. The leader, a thin man in his forties, immediately bowed and announced, "This humble official, Gong Sun Kang, the Chief Clerk of Kaifeng, and all my colleagues, welcome the Prince!"

Gong Sun Kang? That's a good name. Extending his hands, Zhao Yougong, unusually serious, said, "Rise, Chief Clerk Gong Sun. Do you know Gong Sun Ce?"

Gong Sun Kang's eyes widened. Despite his extensive knowledge, he couldn't understand what the young county prince meant. "Your Highness, what does this Gong Sun Ce do?"

"Oh! He's a manure collector... It's not strange if you haven't heard of him!"

Whenever a new official took office, they would usually give an inspiring speech. Gong Sun Kang was about to introduce his colleagues, but Zhao Yougong was already standing on the steps of the main hall.

"Gentlemen, I have been appointed as the Prefect of Kaifeng by the emperor's grace and my own good fortune. Since I am here, there are some things I must say. From now on, follow me, and I will ensure you have a good life. We will share our meals and our wealth. As long as I have a meal, you will not go hungry!"

The young county prince was animated, waving his hands and speaking with enthusiasm, which was quite headache-inducing.

Gong Sun Kang had served several Prefects, but this was the first time he had heard such a unique speech. The more he listened, the more it felt wrong. This was the Prefect's office, not a street gang's rally.

The crowd below lowered their heads, their shoulders shaking. They wanted to laugh but didn't dare. From this speech alone, they knew what the future of Kaifeng would be like.

After the rally, Zhao Yougong had Xiao San bring a stack of bowls. Everyone present had to drink a bowl of wine, and they had no choice but to comply with the young county prince's demands. As he put it, drinking together made them brothers, and they would support each other in the future.

It sounded good, but no one believed it. The young county prince might ask others for money, but no one would ask him for money unless the heavens were asleep.

New officials usually reviewed past records and asked about specific matters, but the young county prince was different. He didn't even enter the council hall, leading a group of officials and bailiffs to a tavern. Gong Sun Kang could only smile bitterly, having prepared a lot of materials that were now useless.

At the Tianxiang Tower, Zhao Yougong reserved the entire second floor. The officials from Kaifeng were initially hesitant but relaxed after a few drinks. During Emperor Huizong's reign, there were few officials who didn't take bribes. Despite their righteous appearances, they were all shrewd. If they weren't, they wouldn't have made it to Kaifeng.

"Everyone, eat and drink to your heart's content. It's all on me today!"

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity!"

On his first day, the young county prince led his colleagues to drink and eat extravagantly. What would happen next?

Emperor Huizong was always paying attention. When he heard that his nephew had led people to drink, he shook his head, both amused and exasperated. His nephew was still the same, acting like a street thug wherever he went.

After the banquet, Zhao Yougong had met all the officials of Kaifeng. Besides Chief Clerk Gong Sun Kang, there were Judge Lin Guoliang, Assistant Judge Yu Renze, and many others. Notably, there were the so-called "Five Heroes of the Prefect's Office," who were five high-ranking bailiffs: Ma Rulong, Zhao Tianbao, Wang Tengyue, Zhang Yaobang, and Xie Wudi.

Hearing their names, Zhao Yougong almost burst out laughing. If Xie Wudi's surname were Zhan, they would be the Five Great Warriors.

Their names sounded formidable, with "Rulong" (like a dragon) and "Wudi" (invincible), but it was unclear how skilled they were.

On his first day, Zhao Yougong went home drunk. The next morning, the twin sisters complained, "Your Highness, on your first day, you led your colleagues to drink... What will happen next?"

Rubbing his aching head, Zhao Yougong said indifferently, "What's the problem? This is called building rapport..."

Building rapport? The news had already spread, and some people had even started moving out. It was no wonder, as who wouldn't be afraid of such a Prefect?

Zhao Yougong didn't care. He was now thinking about what to do next. A new official should make a strong start, and he couldn't just sit around, or his uncle would be disappointed.

For several days, the young county prince pondered how to make a strong start. He even stopped visiting the Xie Fang Tower and the De Yue Tower. Finally, after much thought, he came up with what he considered a brilliant plan.

One day, the young county prince, accompanied by his loyal servant Xiao San, came to the Prefect's office. After the roll call, he announced a surprising piece of news: the Prince decided to give everyone a red envelope!

Red envelopes? That's great! But where would the money come from?

The young county prince explained that the market in Bianliang was chaotic and needed to be reorganized. Some shrewd people immediately saw an opportunity for profit.

In early June, as summer approached, the Prefect's office issued an announcement, ordering the merchants on Xishi Street and Cao Yi Street to check their shops. Those who occupied the streets were to remove their structures, and those who polluted the environment were to clean up.

Everyone knew the young county prince would cause trouble, but no one expected him to be so adept at exploiting the people. This was a clean and efficient operation. The Prefect's office said it was to improve the city's appearance, and no one could argue.

On June 11th, all the bailiffs of Kaifeng were mobilized. Under Zhao Yougong's leadership, they marched towards Xishi Street, led by the Five Heroes. Each bailiff held a waist knife, and those without knives wielded wooden clubs. If they weren't in official uniforms, they would have looked like a gang coming to collect protection money.

Some small merchants quickly closed their doors and windows, truly afraid.

The young county prince was a wolf, a greedy and lecherous wolf.

With a flick of his fan, the first target was the Tianxiang Tower, the most famous tavern on Xishi Street.

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