Han Shizu

Chapter 2150: Emperor Shizong Chapter 26: Northern Court Prime Minister
In front of the majestic main gate of Prince Zhao's Palace, the heavy door was slowly opened with a dull sound, and Beiting King Liu Wengong walked out. Under the bright sunlight, his face could not be seen clearly, but from the way he looked back, one could feel a touch of melancholy and attachment.

As the eldest son of King Zhao Liu Fang, Liu Wengong is the person most similar to his father, at least in terms of appearance. The demeanor he has developed over many years as a king is also extraordinary.

Time makes people grow old. Before he knew it, Liu Wengong was almost fifty years old, and his hair on his temples was covered with a few strands of white frost. This time, he personally came to the capital of the Han Dynasty. In addition to attending the meeting of the princes, he also made a last effort to bring his father back to the Northern Court so that the family could reunite and enjoy the family happiness. However, judging from his performance, he obviously failed.

The sound of the palace gate closing pulled Liu Wengong back from his immersed thoughts. When he raised his eyes again, the purple-red door had been completely closed, and the intention of seeing him off was obvious.

In front of the gate, the king, his subordinates and guards were waiting quietly. A middle-aged official with a long beard and proud eyebrows walked up quickly and bowed, "Your Majesty!"

Looking at him, Liu Wengong took a deep breath, shook his head slightly, and said in a deep voice: "Beiting, we can only rely on ourselves!"

Hearing this, the middle-aged man did not seem very surprised, but responded with a regretful tone: "Yes!"

To be honest, although they are biological father and son, and Liu Wengong has always respected Liu Fang, the two have not seen each other for more than 20 years. Under the power of time, the affection that remains has to be discounted.

What's more, the relationship between the two is not just as simple as that of father and son, but also involves the country and the monarchy. Once power is involved, things often become complicated.

Liu Wengong intended to bring Liu Fang back to the Northern Court. The more important purpose was obviously to borrow his father's influence within the Han Empire. After all, Liu Fang was already seventy years old and had little time left. He might die one day.
In fact, Liu Wengong sometimes couldn't help feeling some resentment towards his father Liu Fang. Although he possessed such high power and prestige in the empire and knew that Beiting was weak and backward among the three Central Asian countries, for a long time, he was unwilling to take the initiative to provide Beiting with some help "to the best of his ability".

When the Anxi Military Governorate was divided in the early years, Beiting suffered the most. The country can be relatively prosperous today, which is also the result of Liu Wen's hard work and development over the past 30 years.

For Liu Wengong, this trip was just to invite Liu Fang back to the Northern Court, and to package and promote it. I dare not say about other places, but at least in the northwest of the empire, it can cause a good response. Look at what Uncle Kang did two years ago, and the banner of the King of Zhao is much more eye-catching than that of the King of Kang, enough to attract another wave of people and talents to the Northern Court.

But although Liu Fang was old, his heart was not dim. He saw Liu Wengong's intention at a glance and decisively rejected it. The King of Zhao had insisted on the Han Empire for his entire life, and it had become an obsession. As he aged, his will became stronger, and it was not something that Liu Wengong and the Northern Court could shake.

In order to stop Liu Wengong from having such thoughts, Liu Fang even told him not to come to Zhao Wangfu again, and not to send envoys to Zhao Wangfu during festivals. He just needed to be a good vassal and concentrate on running the country.
The father and son of King Zhao were people from two completely different eras and had very different experiences. Especially after the establishment of the country and the baptism of Islamic jihad, it was even more difficult for Liu Wengong to understand Liu Fang's unshakable feelings for the empire that were deep in his bones.

Therefore, facing his father's firm refusal, he could only sigh in disappointment. When returning from the royal carriage, Liu Wengong suppressed the unhappiness in his heart, looked down at the middle-aged man waiting beside him, and ordered in a serious tone: "Zi Fu, follow your strategy, and the Culai Hall will go all out to recruit people from all over the world. We will give away all the fame, wealth, money, grain, land and houses, as long as people come!"

"I will obey the king's order!" The middle-aged man was greatly encouraged when he heard this and bowed respectfully.

The middle-aged man's real name was Zhang Han, with the courtesy name Zifu. He was from Huayin, Huazhou, Guannei. He was named because he was born in the cold month of the 989th year of Kaibao (). Zhang Han was a man who had never worked since he was a child. He was famous in his hometown for his chivalrous spirit. He was dashing and intelligent. When he grew up, he was eager to learn and achieved success. He also participated in the state examination, but failed many times, let alone the higher-level examinations.

The fundamental reason is that in the increasingly solidified environment of the empire's upper class, it is difficult for a commoner like Zhang Han, who has no background, no master, and no backing, to make a name for himself. In addition, Zhang Han is conceited about his talent and has a humble background, but he is very stubborn and refuses to kowtow to his subordinates, especially those who he considers "idle".

At the same time, the imperial court paid more attention to practical ability in the selection and training of middle and senior talents. It not only judged the quality of the articles, but also focused more on the assessment of basic knowledge and literacy at the grassroots level and in broader basic fields. In this regard, Zhang Han was not a person who followed the rules and regulations.

The first year of Duangong was Zhang Han's last time to take the provincial examination. If he had passed, he would have had the opportunity to go to Luoyang to take part in the spring examination of the second year of Duangong. People like him could only show their true colors and talents on a higher and bigger stage and have a better chance of being appreciated and promoted. However, he was still rejected. Zhang Han was already 26 years old at that time.

From then on, Zhang Han completely gave up on taking the imperial examination to become an official, and chose to take the path of "clerk-official", which had a very low ceiling. Relying on the reputation he had accumulated in his early years in the village, and his education, examinations, and proficiency in arithmetic, he got a job as a tax collector in Nanwei Township, Huayin County.

Strictly speaking, the imperial system did not completely close the door to Zhang Han. Although the position of township tax collector was humble, it was still a position with status, position and power at the local grassroots level.

However, Zhang Han, who was so arrogant that he could only talk superficially, and as a mere tax collector, he could not display even one hundredth of his talents. At the same time, Zhang Han had a strong personality. During his tenure as a tax collector, he liked to fight for justice, write petitions for people, and judge cases. He was a tax collector, but he also did the work of a judge.

In terms of tax collection, he liked to strictly follow the tax law, and from time to time, he would show some sympathy for the poor, which naturally did not please his superiors. In addition, when he spoke for the people, he offended the local gentry.

As expected, Zhang Han was dismissed from his post as a tax collector after only four months. He was even taken to the county government office by the county magistrate and was beaten with ten boards for "not collecting taxes clearly and suspected of private affairs." These ten boards completely destroyed Zhang Han's loyalty to the Han Empire.

Of course, for a unified empire in its heyday, the personal experience and will of a down-and-out scholar like Zhang Han were insignificant. And as aloof as Zhang Han was, he was also depressed for a long time.

However, he was a man who knew how to adapt. When the court's orthodox way didn't work, he naturally sought another way. The opportunity for change came to Zhang Han in the autumn of the second year of Duangong. He met a man, Zhu Tao, a subordinate of the Chongyi Envoy of Beiting State.

This Zhu Tao was a native of Huayin. His father used to be an official in the county government. About 30 years ago, he was transferred to Anxi as an "official to aid the west". The Governor's Office was split up and divided into three kingdoms, which were then under the jurisdiction of Beiting. After that, he "lived in" Changming City for generations (it was originally Yiji Wugut City of the Kara Khanate. After the Kara Khanate was destroyed, it was changed to Yangcheng to commemorate the contribution of Yang Yanzhao. After the establishment of Beiting, it was renamed Changming City by Liu Wengong as the royal city).

With this experience, although Zhu Tao was born in Huayin, he was a genuine Beiting native who grew up in Changming City. He was a very ambitious person and went a step further on the basis of his father's foundation. From a small aristocratic family that migrated westward, he successfully entered the core ruling class of the Beiting Kingdom. Relying on his good knowledge, insight and eloquence, he was awarded the position of Dianke after being assessed by Liu Wengong.

This Dianke is a very important figure in the national system of Beiting. His powers and resources are extraordinary. His most important responsibility is to recruit talents and population for Beiting.

Among the many vassal states of the Han Empire, the "Han population" was an issue that each country attached great importance to. However, the different national conditions and strengths of each country also led to differences in their policies in this regard.

The first country to raise the population to the level of national strategic development was the Beiting Kingdom. Since the end of the Second Eastern Expedition of Islam, the Beiting Kingdom has increased its investment in this area over the past ten years.

Liu Wen established the Chongyi Envoy, who was appointed by his trusted ministers. The envoy was active in the imperial capital and was in charge of this matter. He was responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with the upper echelons. Under him were several Dianke, who were responsible for specific matters of recruitment.

In the past fifteen or sixteen years, through the activities of the two-level officials "Chongyi and Dianke" and the unremitting support of Liu Wengong, Beiting Kingdom has recruited more than 8 people from the Han area. Combined with natural growth and people from other channels, the core population of Beiting Kingdom finally exceeded in the second year of Jianlong.

It is hard to imagine that this is the result of almost thirty years of development. The difficulty of development can be imagined. At the same time, due to the inconvenience of land transportation and the problem of Beiting's attractiveness, the cost of Beiting's investment in this regard is also huge. Liu Wengong almost exhausted all his efforts to attract population.

When Zhang Han was down and out, Zhu Tao, who was serving as the Minister of the Northern Court, had just returned home in glory to pay homage to his ancestors. He inadvertently heard about Zhang Han's deeds and immediately became interested in him. After learning about his background and experience from the side, he prepared gifts and visited him in person.

After some communication, although he also noticed Zhang Han's arrogance, he was more attracted by his talent and knowledge. After several exchanges, he finally invited him. Zhang Han had long seen through Zhu Tao's intentions, but even though he was an outcast of the imperial system, Zhang Han was still very arrogant and did not agree outright, but only agreed to go to the Western Regions to take a look.

In the autumn of the second year of Duangong, Zhang Han and his good friend Hu Dong (also a down-and-out student) embarked on a journey to the Beiting Kingdom. Along the way, they saw the Hexi Corridor and the northwest scenery, observed Zhu Tao, the guest under the throne of Beiting, and witnessed a hard and slow migration journey of hundreds of immigrants.

Apart from other things, at least from Zhu Tao, one can feel the ambition of the Northern Court to develop the country. In the winter of that year, when they arrived at the Northern Court and entered Changming City, Zhang Han and Hu Dong took a good look at this "Hancheng" that rose from the wild land of the Western Regions. Even in the dead of winter, even though it was freezing cold and not so lively, Zhang Han was moved from the bottom of his heart.

Compared to what I have seen and experienced in Huazhou and Guannei Road, what is happening in a foreign land thousands of miles away, the spirit displayed by the Han people here, the shining brilliance unique to Han civilization, is so moving.

Later, with the introduction of Zhu Tao, Zhang Han and Hu Dong were personally received by Liu Wengong. After an investigation, Liu Wengong was very happy. He found that both of them were talented, especially Zhang Han. Liu Wengong had met many Han talents over the years, many of whom were from famous schools and prominent families, but none of them gave him such a special feeling as Zhang Han. His talent, quick wit, insight and knowledge were so great that Liu Wengong could not find anyone who could compare to him after searching all over the Northern Court.

Without any hesitation, Liu Wengong asked Zhang Han and Hu Dong to join the Beiting government as officials to assist him and achieve something together, and said that he would definitely entrust them with important tasks. However, Zhang Han still did not accept Liu Wengong's invitation immediately. Hu Dong was somewhat tempted, but seeing his friend's hesitation, he did not express his opinion.

In fact, Zhang Han had considered his future, that is, to serve in the three kingdoms of the Western Regions, but his first goal was the Kingdom of Anxi. This was also the first choice for many Han talents who ventured into the Western Regions. After all, Anxi was a better place, with a stronger national strength and better treatment.

Beiting State worked hard, spent all its money and food, and recruited a population that was not as good as Anxi's normal population policy. This was the gap between the two countries. Facing Liu Wengong, Zhang Han also made a point bluntly: Beiting's temple was too small, the population was small, the water and soil conditions were average, and the development potential was limited. Even if one spent his entire life, it would be difficult to achieve anything.

Liu Wengong was very hurt by Zhang Han's evaluation, but he had to admit that what he said made sense. In the end, he couldn't even say anything to keep him. Liu Wengong didn't force Zhang Han, but continued to show his sincerity. During the winter when Zhang Han stayed in Changming City, he repeatedly summoned him to the palace for banquets and questions. After each exchange, he sighed deeply because Zhang Han was determined to leave.

In the spring of the third year of Duangong, Zhang Han said goodbye to Liu Wengong, saying that he would continue to travel west, and did not hide his destination, saying that he would try to go to Anxi. Although Liu Wengong was disappointed, he still did not force him, and personally saw him off, giving him horses, clothes, travel expenses, official documents, etc.

Before leaving, Liu Wengong told Zhang Han that how high a house can be built depends on how solid the foundation is. Beiting’s development is limited, but if he can live another 20 years, he will lay a foundation for Beiting for another 20 years.
Liu Wengong's words were emotional and also answered Zhang Han's reason for rejecting him in the first place, but Zhang Han remained unmoved. However, he suggested his good friend Hu Dong to stay so that Liu Wengong would not get nothing.

Liu Wengong was very disappointed when Zhang Han left, and even fell ill for a few days. However, it was Hu Dong, who had just joined the army, who told him that Zhang Han would definitely return.
When Liu Wen asked why, Hu Dong said that he knew this good friend very well. Although he was aloof and had great ambitions, he was not unreasonable. Although he was gone, his heart had stayed.

Liu Wengong regarded Hu Dong's advice as a consolation, but in the following year, he was looking forward to it all the time and even sent people to wait on the banks of the Yili River.

This wait lasted for more than a year. In the early summer of the first year of Jianlong, Zhang Han, who had traveled to the west, returned to Changming City just as Hu Dong had said. He was dusty and ragged, but in very good spirits.

Liu Wengong was overjoyed. When he saw Zhang Han, he grabbed his hand and remained silent for a long time, and even couldn't help crying. In response, Zhang Han said that he had planned to stay last year, but since he knew too little about the Western Regions, he went to Anxi not to join the army. After all, who would know him there?
Zhang Han's purpose was to investigate and understand the situation and conditions in Central Asia. After more than a year of visits and observations, he felt that he was able to serve in the Northern Court and provide advice to Liu Wengong.

Starting from the first year of Jianlong, Zhang Han officially joined the Beiting Kingdom. He was initially appointed as the Dianshi and conducted a comprehensive reform of the Beiting Kingdom's systems, laws and other aspects. On the basis of "taking the Han as the guideline", he made some changes to adapt to local customs in order to better integrate local tribes and indigenous peoples.

At the same time, with his keen insight, he helped Liu Wengong improve the national development system. In terms of the system, if we only talk about the provisions, the central government of the empire has a lot to learn from, but whether it is suitable for the vassal state of Beiting, how to implement it, and whether it can play the expected role, this is not so easy. The shortcomings in this aspect were only truly improved after Zhang Han arrived.

In the autumn of the second year of Jianlong, after affirming Zhang Han's "practical" ability, Liu Wengong, regardless of any objections, directly appointed him as the Prime Minister of Beiting, allowing him to govern the country and plan development strategies.

Liu Wen co-governed the Northern Court. Zhang Han was cautious and did not interfere in military issues, but he was not polite in other aspects. What Zhang Han was most sure of was the policy of attracting talents and population.

Zhang Han carried out another reform on the basis of the "Chongyi-Dianke" system. "Culaitan" was established under his suggestion. In fact, it was a spy agency of Beiting targeting Anxi, Kangju and the Han Dynasty. In addition to gathering intelligence from all aspects, it also recruited all kinds of talents for the Beiting Kingdom.

At the same time, Zhang Han also proposed new ideas in terms of enriching the Han population, and put forward new requirements and methods from the aspects of region, target, channel, means, etc., including some "special means". For example, Zhang Han heard about population trade from some Han merchants.
At that time, in view of the combat pressure from the Islamic State, Liu Wengong chose to withdraw his troops from Haidong, put the development focus of Beiting on the domestic front, and change the direction of expansion to the north. Zhang Han also expressed his support for this, but in addition to his support, he also said that the north was bitterly cold and difficult to develop, but if he wanted to develop in the long run, Beiting's future was still in Anxi and Kangju.
That's right, the final form of the development strategy that Zhang Han planned for Beiting State was to attack the two brother countries of Anxi and Kangju, and even to the east. Of course, this requires waiting, requires the most appropriate time, and can even only be expected from future generations.

After all, the current Beiting Kingdom is still very weak, and no one in the surrounding area can compete with it except the north. However, under the protection of the "brothers", it can also develop and accumulate strength steadily. The Central Empire will decline sooner or later. Anxi and Kangju are facing pressure from Islam. How the situation will change in the future is unknown, but it is worth looking forward to.

The fact that Zhang Han proposed this "internal strife" strategy revealed what kind of person he was. Even Liu Wengong felt that he was using a double-edged sword.

However, seeing the prosperity of Beiting Kingdom after Zhang Han took office, he could only suppress his fear. During this meeting of vassal states, Zhang Han was able to accompany Liu Wen to Beijing. When passing through Huazhou, he swaggered back to his hometown to visit his relatives. The county magistrate who had punished him with a cane was still there, and was severely ridiculed by Zhang Han. As for the gentry he had offended, they prepared gifts and came to confess their crimes and beg for mercy in fear and trepidation.

As for the new agreement reached at the conference, Zhang Han believed that it could provide more space and convenience for Beiting’s population strategy.
(End of this chapter)