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Wuyin (the 18th month of the twelfth month of the eighth year of Yuanfeng).

When Zhao Xu opened his eyes, Feng Jing had already brought the toiletries and placed them in front of the imperial couch.

When he saw him waking up, Feng Jing immediately brought his people forward, helped him wash up, and then helped him dress neatly.

Then, Feng Jingzi went to the imperial kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Zhao Xu took the daily Bianjing briefing sent by Shi Deyi last night and started reading it.

Tile, Goulan, Taixue...

The focus of public opinion in every hotspot area is controlled by Zhao Xu.

It hasn't snowed yet, and the pressure from public opinion has slowly begun to increase.

Even in the Imperial Academy, some whispers began to appear.

Zhao Xu put down the briefing and let out a slight breath. He called Shi Deyi to him, and then told him: "Go and make arrangements, let Professor Miao get ready, and see your majesty at the palace this afternoon!"

He had to take precautions in case there was no rain or snow in the first month.

Drought relief must be brought up on a daily basis!

Because there is no rain or snow in the first month, the winter wheat commonly grown in the vast northern areas will face difficulties after overwintering.

An improper response may lead to widespread harvest failure.

A bad harvest will inevitably lead to refugees!

Once there were large-scale refugees, the Song Dynasty had to send people to the disaster-stricken areas to recruit the young and strong among the refugees as Xiang troops.

"Wei!" Shi Deyi accepted the order and left.

…

Sima Guang held the Chao Hut in his arms and stood under Zuo Zhaoqing's door.

Two old officials, holding thick documents, followed behind him.

After waiting for a while, an official from the Tongjian Department came to Sima Guang, cupped his hands and said: "Sheng Zuo, your Majesty, please go to Chongzheng Hall to wait for orders!"

Sima Guang nodded, pointed to the documents held by the old officials behind him, and said to the official: "These are the official documents I want to use for your visit today. Please send someone to check them and submit them!"

The man immediately said: "Don't worry, Minister, I will definitely handle this matter!"

So I called someone and took over the dozens of thick documents.

Let these people be taken to the small hall under the inner east gate for inspection by the marriage officers of the Imperial City Department.

He led Sima Guang into the palace.

Go through the inner east gate, come to the small courtyard in front of Chongzheng Hall, and lead it into the hall.

Then the official paid homage to Sima Guang: "Sir, please stay here later. Your Majesty will come over after you have breakfast!"

Sima Guang nodded, hugged the Chao Hut, and stood in the hall.

The official then stepped back respectfully.

Therefore, Sima Guang was the only one in the huge Chongzheng Hall.

Sima Guang stood in this hall and looked at the Chao Hut in his hand. There were words written on the Chao Hut.

These are the outlines he will give today.

He looked at those words, but he remembered what he saw in the bright mirror when Sima Kang was combing his hair and beard at home this morning.

His hair and beard have turned white.

His cheeks were thin, and his skin was like dry tree bark, full of wrinkles. At sixty-six years old, he looked older than Han Jiang, who was in his seventies, and Wen Yanbo, who was eighty years old.

What he knew, he already knew.

He has actually reached the limit of running out of fuel and energy!

The tone that had supported him in his life - to abandon the new law - had long since evaporated after Han Jiang came to power, constantly reconciling the opinions of the old and new parties, and doing everything he could to make peace.

Even though Sima Guang didn't want to admit it, he knew it in his heart.

The new law is no longer realistic!

No one will support him!

Therefore, no matter how unconvinced he is, he can only face reality helplessly.

In the past, he could escape and hide in Luoyang to write books.

But now he has nowhere to run!

He can't escape either!

because……

Sima Guang thought about that day, the day he entered the capital, the moment when the officials sent someone to hand over the encouraging edict personally written by the emperor into his hands.

"With the help of the Song Dynasty, the teacher protects the people!"

The officials' high expectations for him made him unable to escape.

He also recalled the details of the first time he met the young master.

That expectant look, that admiring tone...

So, he can't escape!

If he escapes, who will tell the officials what is right and what is wrong?

"Don't care about temporary gains and losses!" Sima Guang told himself.

"As long as the officials are committed to Jiayou's administration and respect the virtues of their ancestors..."

"Everything will get better!"

It is this last expectation that keeps Sima Guangneng's fighting spirit alive.

He hasn't lost yet!

He can still win!

With this thought, Sima Guang slowly straightened his body.

At this time, the sound of ritual music sounded from the back of the palace.

Surrounded by Yu Longzhi, female officials, and ministers with imperial equipment, the small official family slowly walked out from the corridor at the back of the palace.

Sima Guang quickly bowed to greet him with a fluorine in his hand: "Old minister, I respectfully welcome the official to the palace!"

He looked at the little official eagerly, walked to the hall, and sat on the throne.

Sima Guang then followed the etiquette and bowed twice with the phoenix: "Old minister, I sincerely wish His Majesty the Emperor long blessings!"

"May I be blessed!" The little official's voice was as calm as before: "Master Sima is exempt from the courtesy! Come, please give Master Sima a seat and tea!"

So, a chair was moved in front of Sima Guang, and at the same time, a cup of tea was delivered to Sima Guang's hand.

After Sima Guang thanked him, he took the tea cup and sat down.

Then I heard the official on the throne say: "I have read the letter Sima Gong wrote the day before yesterday!"

"I think what Mr. Sima said is true!"

"I live deep in the palace, so I don't know the sufferings of the people, nor the hardships of the farmers!"

"Therefore, I invite Duke Sima to the palace today because I want to consult with him about the current situation in the Song Dynasty!"

"I hope Mr. Sima can speak freely and without any scruples!"

After listening to this, Sima Guang suddenly felt warm in his heart.

This is exactly what he has been pursuing his whole life!

It is exactly what he has longed for his whole life!

The emperor pays homage to the virtuous and corporal officials, and uses the rites to inquire about the affairs of the world.

Wang Anshi once enjoyed such treatment in front of the late emperor.

A sudden calendar year brings a special look to the teacher!

The late emperor himself almost put himself in the position of a disciple in the words he used when making the book of worship to the prime minister.

The late emperor had never respected him so much.

Even if respect is occasionally shown, it is only superficial!

He never really listened to himself.

So, Sima Guang was moved and bowed again: "I respectfully obey the imperial edict!"

Then, he played: "I would like to ask your Majesty to allow me to speak before you!"

"Can!"

Sima Guang took a deep breath and turned to look behind him.

The people who met with the Secretary respectfully brought the documents he had brought into the palace and placed them in front of him.
To be continued...