Moma Liangshan

Chapter 131 Warhorse Trade, Laoshan Academy

Entrusting the entire trade with the Liao Dynasty to the merchant guild was both a delegation of power by Wang Hao and a test for Chen Song. Wang Hao's withdrawal from Kaifeng to focus on Jiaozhou was largely aimed at avoiding the factional strife within the Northern Song court and accumulating strength for the impending Jingkang Incident. Chen Song, a powerful eunuch serving Emperor Huizong, would significantly influence Huizong's perception of Jiaozhou. Therefore, upon Chen Song's arrival, Wang Hao made a decisive move, directly appointing him as the head of the merchant guild. Chen Song's abilities not only did not disappoint Wang Hao but far exceeded everyone's expectations. Within a year, the Jiaozhou merchant guild had already taken shape. Faced with Wang Hao's promise, Chen Song felt no joy, but rather immense pressure. After a long silence, he said, "If the Liao trade route is successfully opened and a large number of warhorses enter the Central Plains, what will the court officials' reaction be? Have you considered this, young master?" The banquet fell silent instantly. Wang Hao did not answer directly, but looked at Lin Chong and Yang Zhi and asked, "Commanders Lin Chong and Yang Zhi, what do you think the court officials' reaction will be then?"

Yang Zhi spoke first, saying, "With warhorses, the Song Dynasty can establish a cavalry. With a cavalry, whether pacifying the Western Xia or attacking the Liao Dynasty, the Song Dynasty will have a greater chance of victory. If His Majesty can seize the opportunity of the Jin-Liao War to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun, then you, young master, will have accomplished another great feat." Lin Chong was far less optimistic than Yang Zhi, saying, "Warhorses can not only establish a cavalry for the Song Dynasty, but also bring substantial profits to Jiaozhou. If the cost of establishing a cavalry gradually becomes a burden on the court, then Jiaozhou's treasury and even your family's property will face the risk of being forcibly confiscated! At that time, if we are not careful, Jiaozhou will face annihilation!"

Wang Hao looked worried, thinking to himself, "Neither Chen Song's reminder nor Lin Chong's deduction were things I hadn't anticipated! The importance of warhorses to a country is no less than that of salt and iron. Such a crucial resource would not be left entirely under the control of a mere magistrate of Laoshan County." He looked at Chen Song and said, "You've grasped the implications; you must already have a plan!" Chen Song replied, "Jiaozhou is only responsible for transporting warhorses from Liao to Song; the sale of these warhorses after they enter Song must be managed by the court. When that happens, if you, young master, voluntarily offer concessions to Dongjing, the officials will surely be less likely to be too aggressive!" Before Wang Hao could speak, Ma Cao interjected, "Manager Chen should know that in this way, young master may have to forgo more than half of the profits!" Chen Song didn't offer much explanation, simply saying, "It's a last resort!" Seeing the hostile gazes directed at Chen Song, Wang Hao asked, "Do any of you have a better solution?" Everyone lowered their heads and remained silent. Wang Hao said, "We're all on the same side, working tirelessly for the better development of Jiaozhou. We've been in the Jianghu for a long time and are naturally unfamiliar with the rules of officialdom; but Chen Song was born into an official family, which can make up for this deficiency. I've already considered the matter of the warhorses and will definitely not let Jiaozhou suffer an undeserved disaster!" The banquet ended somewhat unhappily, and on the way back, Wang Hao and Wang Lun rode in the same carriage.

Looking at his son, who had no smile, Wang Lun said, "It's good that the business is bigger and there are more people, but it's not as easy to manage as before!" Wang Hao nodded and said, "Father is absolutely right. Perhaps I should establish some rules for Jiaozhou!" Wang Lun smiled and said, "Without rules, there can be no order. That's how it should be!" No one expected that this routine debate about the warhorse trade would become the direct driving force for establishing the Jiaozhou "Code".

The school buildings of Laoshan Academy are nearing completion, and the first batch of students has been enrolled. With free room and board, over three hundred people have registered so far. Laoshan Academy is a crucial part of Wang Hao's overall plan, involving the future talent pool of Jiaozhou. The question of who should be the dean of Laoshan Academy has become a difficult one. Although Wang Hao has many men under his command, most are military officers, and apart from the Mohist disciples, it seems there are no other suitable candidates. Di Chunqiu has a master-disciple relationship with Wang Hao, and if he also serves as the dean of Laoshan Academy, it might create a situation where he becomes too powerful to control. Moreover, the Mohist school has its own lineage, and Di Chunqiu has no intention of taking on this sensitive position. Di Qinyang and others are still young and unsuitable for the role. Wang Hao looked at everyone and asked, "Does anyone have a suitable candidate for the position of dean of Laoshan Academy?" Everyone lowered their heads in silence. Wang Hao smiled helplessly and said, "How about letting Feng Gu concurrently serve as the dean of Laoshan Academy?" Upon hearing this, everyone immediately said, "No!" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "I was just saying it in anger, but someone must take on this role as dean!" Lin Chong said, "In my opinion, young master, why not take on the role yourself?" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "That's not appropriate!" Lin Chong said again, "Young master, you are learned and knowledgeable, why is that inappropriate?" Wang Hao said, "As a teacher, one should set an example, teach by example, and give instructions personally. I am often away from home, and even that alone is inappropriate. In addition, I am still young and lack the composure of a teacher!"

At this moment, Zhang Gou said, "I believe there is someone who might be very suitable!" Everyone immediately perked up their ears, and Wang Hao said, "Speak!" Zhang Gou smiled slightly and said, "Chief!" Ma Cao quickly came to his senses and said, "Chief is a scholar, and he often taught us to read and write when we were in the stronghold. If Chief were to serve as the Dean of Laoshan Academy, it would indeed be most suitable!" Lin Chong also thought this suggestion was excellent and said, "I agree!" After saying that, he looked at Yang Zhi and Lu Da, and the two of them, seeing this, also said, "I agree!" Di Chunqiu weighed the pros and cons, thinking to himself, "My elder brother sent me out of seclusion primarily to expand the influence of the Mohist school. If the dean of Laoshan Academy were a renowned Confucian scholar, it would inevitably create many obstacles to the spread of Mohist doctrines. However, with Wang Lun in the position, it completely avoids deliberate suppression by the Confucian school. Moreover, Wang Lun is Wang Hao's father; even if a famous Confucian scholar were to arrive in the future, he would certainly not threaten Wang Lun's position as dean." He quickly said, "Your subordinate agrees!" Like a sedan chair carried by many, Chen Song and the others also said, "Your subordinate agrees!"

After a moment's thought, Wang Hao also agreed that it would be most advantageous for Wang Lun to serve as the dean of Laoshan Academy. He then went along with it, saying, "Since everyone agrees that my father is the most suitable person to serve as the dean of Laoshan Academy, then I will recommend a worthy person regardless of kinship and agree to my father serving as the dean of Laoshan Academy!" In this way, after leaving Liangshan, Wang Lun finally had a new identity.