Of course, every situation has its joys and sorrows. Tang Long was very frustrated when he heard that the fighting was over—he had already developed a new type of Qin crossbow that could strike the center of the Jin camp: Terracotta Warrior No. 6.
Chapter 171 Acquisition Ceremony
That evening, I sent a message to Emperor Huizong of Song in Taiyuan, instructing him to prepare for tomorrow's events.
Not long after, Wu Yong and a few others, along with Xu Delong, found me and wanted to discuss matters after the handover between the Jin and Song dynasties. Although the Liangshan heroes had declared themselves kings, they were still willing to serve the people if given the opportunity. Many of them had witnessed the atrocities committed by the Jin army after their invasion of Song. Xu Delong and his men, needless to say, were a true civilian army, fighting for the common people.
Even though he was busy with work, Marshal Yue Fei called to express his great concern about the matter.
After discussing it for a while, we felt that we should draft a contract to put many things out in the open, including that the Jin government should not impose tyranny on the people of the former Song Dynasty after its establishment, should not carry out literary inquisitions, and that tax rates should remain unchanged for at least 10 years, etc.
Wu Yong glanced at the 55contract and laughed, "This looks more like a merger agreement between two companies."
I had a sudden inspiration and said, "Why don't we just hold an acquisition ceremony meeting tomorrow? If we do a good job of publicity, the people of the Song Dynasty will feel better."
When a company is poorly managed, it's better to be acquired than to go bankrupt. At least the former employees still have jobs and can continue to live a peaceful life. As for who will be in charge, the lower-level employees don't care much. Of course, some middle and upper-level managers will inevitably change.
Li Jingshui and Wei Tiezhu, both of whom worked in the 21st century, said, "It would be best to have another oversight body, otherwise what will happen if foreign companies mistreat their employees after we leave?"
I said, "Then let's invite all the military leaders tomorrow. They are the intermediaries and supervisory bodies. If Jin Wuzhu doesn't abide by the contract, we'll continue to surround him. Also, watch your wording. Many years later, the 56 ethnic groups will be one family. Strictly speaking, Jin Wuzhu can't be considered a foreign company. At most, it's a regional merger."
So we drafted another 12letter of responsibility and punishment measures, stapled two copies together for backup.
The next morning, representatives from all sides gathered in Taiyuan. Jin Wuzhu, as the acquiring party, had checked into the five-star "Yuelai Inn" hotel late the previous night. Because Emperor Qinzong was the last emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty, Emperor Huizong also held a brief ceremony yesterday, abdicating the chairmanship to his son.
At 9:15 a.m., the former Taiyuan Prefectural Government Office was brightly decorated, with a large red carpet extending outside. Jin Wuzhu had already been taken to the designated location by the Taiyuan Prefectural Government's carriage, accompanied by Emperors Huizong and Qinzong. I, along with Qin Shi Huang, Qin Qiong, Liu Dongyang, Muqali, and Hu Yieryi, followed behind them. Twenty Hongwu cannons, also adorned with red ribbons, were displayed at the entrance of the Prefectural Government Office as ceremonial cannons, filled with a small amount of gunpowder and a large amount of confetti. As soon as the cannons fired, the Liangshan Military Band played "The Song of Heroes," and our group walked gracefully into the main hall amidst the fluttering confetti.
There was a slight mishap in the middle. When the 20 or so Jin soldiers following Wuzhu heard the cannon fire, about half of them instinctively sought cover. A few others reflexively ducked around, probably thinking they'd found some food...
Upon entering the auditorium, a lectern was placed in the center, with the Jin Dynasty flag on the left, the Song Dynasty flag on the right, and our Yucai School's little triangular flag in the middle. Above, a banner read "Wishing Wanyan Group a successful acquisition of Zhao's enterprises and a successful signing ceremony." On the seats of Jin Wuzhu and Emperor Huizong of Song, there were already acquisition contracts, each sealed in plastic, with a gold-handled wolf-hair brush beside them.
Xiuxiu was once again the host of today's ceremony. Dressed in a cheongsam and holding a megaphone, she announced in a sweet voice, "Now, please welcome the representatives from all parties to take their seats. The signing ceremony will officially begin."
I led Jin Wuzhu and Emperor Huizong back to their seats amidst applause. I gestured for them to sit down, and the three of them did. Xiuxiu said, “Today is a very significant day. The Wanyan Group in Liaodong has been preparing for war in recent years, constantly pursuing new ideas and corporate culture. Driven by international market rules, and in order to better conserve capital and achieve a powerful alliance, the Zhao Group is willing to cooperate with the Wanyan Group on the premise of equality, mutual benefit, and optimized resources…”
I said to Jin Wuzhu and Emperor Huizong of Song, who were sitting to my left and right, "You two should take a look at the contract."
Emperor Huizong casually flipped through a few pages and said, "I have no objection."
Jin Wuzhu took the contract and examined it carefully, only to sigh repeatedly as he read. He couldn't bear to read more than the preface of the thick contract, which was as thick as a novel. With a distressed expression, he said, "I'll ask you one last time, can I refuse to sign?"
I maintained my smile and whispered in his ear, "No."
Jin Wuzhu snapped the contract shut and said, "What else is there to see? It all boils down to one thing: the people of the Song Dynasty can't be beaten or scolded, and they have to be treated well—we've come all this way just to serve them."
I shook his hand excitedly and said, "Oh, well said! That's the awareness of a public servant!"
Without saying a word, Emperor Huizong of Song took the brush and signed his name on the last page. The calligraphy was truly beautiful, and it was clear that the young man was very satisfied. This was the last good deed he did for the people as the last leader of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Jin Wuzhu clutched the pen, trembling uncontrollably, more sorrowful than when he looked at his own indenture. I patted him on the shoulder privately and said, "Cheer up, it's you who's acquiring him, not the other way around."
Emperor Huizong of Song said gloatingly, "That's right, that's right."
Jin Wuzhu glared at him and said, "You're welcome to counter-acquisition anytime. If you resist, I'm a grandson!" He then shakily signed his name. I laughed heartily and said, "You should be secretly laughing now that you're cooperating with us. We've already developed Terracotta Warrior No. 6."
Next, Emperor Huizong of Song and Wanyan Wuzhu exchanged contracts and signed them again. I led the applause. The ushers came in and carried away the written agreements on trays. Zhang Qing and Dong Ping hurriedly opened two jars of "Three Bowls and No More Hills," even mimicking the sound of champagne being popped: "Bang!"
Everyone present poured themselves a drink, and everyone except Jin Wuzhu raised their wine bowls and shouted, "Happy cooperation!"
Jin Wuzhu, with a gloomy face, symbolically took a sip and said to me, "Then I'll go first and go back to prepare to serve you as your public servant."
I pointed to the heads of state and generals below and said to him, "You must strictly abide by the terms of the contract, or we'll come back to you. Next time, it won't just be to scare you—" I pointed to Tong Yuan and said, "Remember that girl? She's the hidden successor of all you Jurchens, and I bet she'd rather you broke the contract than anyone else."
Fang Zhenjiang put his arm around Tong Yuan's waist and laughed, "Oh, I didn't expect you to become the Crown Prince." Tong Yuan slapped him lightly.
Qin Shi Huang stepped forward to comfort the dejected Jin Wuzhu, saying, "Do a good job. What's the point of all that fighting and killing? You're much better now, and the people think highly of you. Isn't that better than anything else?"
Jin Wuzhu sighed and said, "You're working for yourself, while I'm just busy doing pointless work for others."
Muqali, holding a cup of wine, said, "You can't say that. If you treat others well, they will treat you well in return. When we Mongols come to acquire you in the future, we will be very gentle with you."
Jin Wuzhu shuddered and slunk away.
Since it was just the two of us for the rest of the time, we decided to have a banquet at the prefect's residence. The allied forces, who had been busy for half a month, had finally accomplished their mission and could finally relax.
Looking at Emperor Huizong, who seemed somewhat disappointed, I asked him, "Have you thought about where you'll settle down after visiting the Five Kingdoms City?"
Emperor Huizong remained silent, stunned. Although we had minimized the shame of him being the ruler of a fallen kingdom, it was still not a glorious thing. I said, "Why don't you go back to your ancestors' place with Liu Dongyang?" I had heard that at this time, only the company of family could gradually warm the heart of a defeated person.
Emperor Huizong shook his head vigorously, saying, "I won't go!"
Clearly, this young man wasn't stupid at all; he knew that going to Zhao Kuangyin's place would definitely lead to disaster, possibly even worse than staying in Wuguo City. He asked, "Is there a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters, simple and honest people, and a love for art?"
I rested my chin on my hand, pondering, "Beautiful scenery, simple and honest people, and a love for art? You're quite difficult to please..." Just then, I noticed that Emperor Huizong's mind had completely wandered off; his eyes were glazed over, and his body was trembling. Following his gaze, I saw Li Shishi, dressed in a sleek evening gown, smiling radiantly in Jin Shaoyan's company. A few simple yet elegant beads accentuated her noble and refined beauty, making her look like a demon. The rich certainly have ways; overnight, that spendthrift Jin Shaoyan had found her a dazzling outfit.
Emperor Huizong murmured, "As long as she's with me, I'm fine with going anywhere."
I said angrily, "What kind of time is this to still be thinking about this? Look at how you compare to that young man, especially since you're bankrupt now."
Li Shishi noticed Emperor Huizong looking at her. She walked up gracefully, her demeanor and manners impeccable, though unfortunately, she was carrying an unsightly enamel bowl. She gently touched the bowl to Emperor Huizong's, saying, "Take good care of yourself from now on. I wish you happiness."
Jin Shaoyan put his arm around Li Shishi's waist and said gently to Emperor Huizong of Song, "My name is Jin Shaoyan, it's a pleasure to meet you." This was the first meeting between the two rivals, but Emperor Huizong no longer posed any threat, so Jin Shaoyan treated him like a prisoner.
Emperor Huizong's face was ashen, and he stammered, "You are happy too..."
Jin and Li then gracefully departed for the dance floor. Li Shishi had no feelings for him, and Emperor Huizong was merely attracted to her beauty. After a while, he let it go and sighed, "By the way, Brother Xiaoqiang, I heard there's a place in your area called an arts school. There must be many beautiful women there, right?"
"...quite a lot."