I studied in modern times

Chapter 602: War (2)

In the late autumn morning in Bianjing, the fog was so heavy that there were even traces of frost on the bluestones of Yulin Alley.

Today is Mr. Lu’s holiday.

But he still got up early because he was going to Sima Guang's mansion in Zhaoqingfang to visit his old friend who was now bedridden and had not much time left.

In the thick fog, there was the sound of horse hooves.

Mr. Lu raised his head and looked over, and saw a minister on horseback coming to him.

Seeing Lu Gongzhu, the minister got off his horse and bowed: "Ms. Sir, the benevolent sages of the two palaces have decrees. Please enter the palace immediately."

Mr. Lu frowned, having a bad feeling, and asked quickly: "What happened?"

"Last night on Xihe Road there was a report coming to the capital, saying that the Western bandits were gathering troops and Tubo was in civil strife!" The minister replied briefly: "Therefore, the two palaces invite your husband to enter the palace."

Lu Gongzhu's face suddenly froze, and he couldn't help but sigh in his heart: "It's bitter!"

War hurts the economy and affects people's livelihood.

No matter the new party or the old party, they all know that only by getting rid of the disadvantages of three redundancies can the country continue to move forward.

In such a mood, Mr. Lu came to Zuo Zhaoqing's door worriedly.

Han Jiang looked at his unhappy look and knew that Mr. Lu must be worried about military expenses.

"This year will probably be the best in the next few years!" Lu Gongzhu sighed in his heart.

So, she leaned in front of him and whispered: "Uncle Hui, don't worry so much."

There is no way - since Yuan Hao's rebellion, every time the Western thieves raise weapons, it is equivalent to an increase in taxes!
This has not changed for decades.

It will definitely go down in history!

This is the reason why Fu Bi said to the late emperor when he came to the throne: "May your Majesty not talk about military matters for twenty years!"

Everyone knows the disadvantages of three redundancies.

This prime minister has rarely appeared in the capital since August.

Han Jiang chuckled and continued: "Does Uncle Hui think that the officials don't know that billions of dollars will be wasted when the army moves?"

Therefore, the best way is not to fight, practice internal skills, clarify internal affairs, and at the same time slowly train troops.

After the end of the year, it is possible to become an official.

You are about to retire.

Many people in the old party, including Lu Gongzhu, believe that we should still believe in the wisdom of future generations. Our generation can just mend things and don't let the ship of the Song Dynasty capsize in our hands.

He has handed over most matters to the ruling Zhang Hong and the Minister of Household Affairs Zhang Heng.

"Right Prime Minister..." The ruling officials collectively avoided the road and held their hands in salute.

He is fully prepared for his official career.

In this way, it is equivalent to Han Jiang being the one who set the precedent.

Lu Gongzhu raised his eyes and glanced at Han Jiang, and said to himself, "Han Zihua can stand and talk without pain in your back."

Even when he got to the capital hall, he mainly drank tea and basically didn't do anything.

The difference is that the new party is very anxious and does not want to leave the problems to future generations. It wants to solve them in the present generation, or even want to solve them all within a few years.

However, the imperial court was in a tight state and had to raise taxes to raise funds.

The problems of the Song Dynasty can be seen clearly by knowledgeable people.

And me?

Lu Gongzhu raised his hands to Han Jiang and said, "I have seen Zuo Kui."

After a long time, the new king came to the throne and began to implement benevolent policies, lighten the corvee and reduce the tax, and the burden on the people began to be reduced.

This is also the theoretical basis of many so-called 'pacifists' in the old party.

You no longer need to worry about military expenditures.

News also spread from the palace that the official family and the two palaces had prepared official treatment for this hard-working veteran.

Who can the tax increase be imposed on?

Being able to take charge of both towns is already a sure thing.

There are even legends that the official family may restore the title of the hero who was deposed by Yuanfeng during the restructuring to commend this prime minister.

If the war goes off, billions of dollars will be wasted.

Anyway, he would not be a scholar-bureaucrat, let alone a relative of a noble person.

And the people's livelihood of the Song Dynasty, which has finally improved a little, may be affected again.

However, things often don't go as people wish. It has only been two years since the northwest war broke out again.

Moreover, it is very likely that in the future, the title of meritorious official will be the standard for a prime minister to become an official.

Left Prime Minister Han Jiang looked at him with a smile and cupped his hands: "Your assistant is finally here."

Once the army moves, the expenditure of money and food is immeasurable.

"Don't the officials know about the matters on Xihe Road?"

Apart from anything else, the people in charge of the walking horses on Xihe Road have already directly contacted the Detective Department.

As soon as their memorial texts are sent to the Memorial Hall, they will be sent to the Detective Department immediately.

In addition, Xiang Zonghui and Gao Gongji, these two relatives, were causing trouble in Xihe.

Do you really think that the imperial court is blind and deaf and doesn't know anything?
Like last month, the Tubo envoy and the Xixia envoy almost got into a fight with people from the Ministry of Rites in Dutingyi.

Although few people knew about this matter, Han Zhongyan, the Minister of Rites, even kept silent about it.

However, according to the system, relevant meeting texts must be archived.

Because Han Jiang was preparing to become an official, she liked to hang out in Chongwen Academy when she had nothing to do after April this year.

During this visit, he discovered a lot of amazing things.

For example, the official documents submitted by the various states on Xihe Road to the Memorial Hall.

For example, there are also the documents submitted by the Guangxi Economic Strategy and Comfort Department and the Transportation Department, as well as the things reported by the horsemen.

It’s really a surprise!
Lü Gongzhu listened and calmed down. He looked at Han Jiang and asked, "What does Brother Zihua mean?"

Han Jiang smiled and stroked his beard, and the headdress he wore on his head swayed: "Today's officials are more concerned about money and silk than anyone else!"

Lu Gongzhu thought of those who owed money to Yiwu, and also thought of the abbots and heads of the major temples in Bianjing City. They were tortured by the current officials and wanted to die, but they still had to force a smile and willingly put the temples in their hands. The matter of sending property to Kaifeng Mansion.

He then nodded: "But what does this have to do with the war?"

Can the official family still generate money?

and many more!

Mr. Lu thought of the Bianjing Academy in Jing'anfang.

So he looked at Han Jiang, who squinted at him and said seriously: "Uncle Hui, if you have time, it would actually be good to visit Chongwen Academy more often."

He could only remind him so far.

If he keeps reminding him, if the palace finds out, he will become a bad old man who doesn't understand current affairs.

It's easy to be annoying.

At this point, Han Jiang lowered his voice and said to Uncle Lu Hui: "This matter came out of my mouth and into Uncle Hui's ears!"

Lu Gongzhu nodded, then cupped his hands and thanked him: "Thank you, Brother Zihua."

Han Jiang smiled.

The reason why he reminded Lu Gongzhu was naturally because he wanted Lu Gongzhu to owe him a favor.

But I didn't want Lu Gong to return it, but let his son Lu Xizhe and grandson Lu Haowen return it.

There is no way, why didn't he teach a successful son, not even a successful grandson.

I can only place my hope on those great-grandchildren.

But the great-grandchildren were still too young for him to take care of.

That's all. Of course, Han Jiang also knew that it would ultimately depend on whether his descendants would succeed or not.

If he is like Yan Jidao, he is useless and cannot stand up to the wall.

Then no one can help!

The two prime ministers were talking. On the other side of Youzhaoqingmen, the generals of the three yamen had also begun to line up under Hemen.

Palace Commander Yanda, Deputy Commander Miao Lu, Guan Jun Di Yong... Even Guo Kui, who had returned to Beijing not long ago, also put on the purple military official uniform and appeared in the crowd.

They are all generals who have experience in leading and commanding troops along the border.

Han Jiang and Lu Gongzhu looked at each other and continued: "Uncle Hui, do you know that when I reported to Beijing last night, I was sent to Funing Palace first?"

"It is said that after receiving the report, the officials did not order anyone to notify the two palaces, nor did they order anyone to go out to summon us."

"I just summoned Fan Chunren, a Hanlin scholar who was on duty at the bachelor's college that night..." At this point, Han Jiang took a deep look at Lu Gongzhu.

Fan Chunren is Mr. Lu’s son-in-law!
"It wasn't until dawn this morning that the Shang Gong next to the two palaces informed the two palaces about Xihe. It is said that the officials also ordered the two ministers to appease the Cisheng of the two palaces, saying: Although the matter of Xihe is a matter of The attack is sudden, but the generals are all selected at the moment, and the officers and soldiers are well-trained. Even if they cannot defeat the Western thieves, they will be able to retreat. Please don't worry, two palaces. "

"Although the official is young, he is calm in the face of danger and handles things well. He can be called a saint!" Han Jiang admired, stroking his beard.

Your Majesty, even according to the palace, will not be considered twelve years old until this year.

Judging from the precedent of Renmiao stories, when a young master is in power, he usually adds one or two years of age.

He is only ten years old, eleven at most!
……

Zhao Xu opened his eyes and saw the two palaces sitting in front of him.

"Mother, mother, why are you here so early?" he asked with a smile.

The two palaces looked at him and looked at each other, feeling surprised in their hearts.

You must know that after they found out about Xihe early in the morning, they couldn't even eat, so they hurried to Funing Hall.

As a result, I saw the official (sixth brother) sleeping very soundly on the imperial couch.

After asking the female officials and ministers of Funing Palace, the two palaces knew that after the official (sixth brother) was awakened last night, he summoned Hanlin scholar Fan Chunren and asked him about Xihe's military affairs and the fortress.

The exchange of questions between the king and his ministers lasted for an hour, and then the official (sixth brother) returned to the bed and fell asleep.

After hearing this, both palaces were extremely shocked!
Some even couldn't believe it, so they summoned Fan Chunren and asked him again.

The results of the inquiry made them even more shocked.

Because according to Fan Chunren’s report, at the Funing Hall last night, the official (sixth brother) stood on the sand table that is still displayed in the Funing Hall, pointing to the mountains, rivers, and roads in the city and asking questions one by one.

According to Fan Chunren: "His Majesty repeatedly asked his ministers about the art of war, and he often hit the mark... The ministers were frightened and did not dare to hide it, so they told the Lord the truth!"

With these foreshadowings, the two palaces naturally knew that this child was not ignorant of military affairs, nor was he big-hearted. But he really didn't take this matter to heart.

So, after being surprised, pride arose in my heart!

Since ancient times, except for those emperors who immediately conquered the world.

How many emperors can face such a thing so calmly and calmly?
Even an adult monarch would not be able to do this.

At least the two palaces asked themselves, they couldn't do it.

"Amitabha!" He recited the Buddha's name to the Queen Mother, and said to the Queen Mother: "My Lady, the Bodhisattva has truly blessed me. The Zhao family is so lucky."

The Queen Mother nodded: "Yes! Bodhisattva bless you!"

What happened today will definitely be recorded in the history of the country.

And they will be remembered in the history books for this reason.

"Empress..." Liang Weijian's voice came from outside the curtain: "The Prime Minister and the three generals have arrived outside the palace."

"Please wait in the palace, my ministers. I, the Queen Mother, and the officials will arrive soon."

……

Han Jiang and Lu Gongzhu led the governors of Dongfu and Xifu, and the military ministers led by Yanda lined up and entered the Funing Palace.

As soon as they entered the hall, they saw the overly large sand table.

But they were not surprised, and even felt a little familiar.

Because, since Guo Kui returned to Beijing, he has been judging martial arts.

The palace has already given a newly made sand table for martial arts teaching.

It was a giant sand table in Guangxi and Jiaozhi.

It is said that every city, every river, and every mountain range was carefully crafted by craftsmen from the Arms Bureau and the Inner Palace who consulted with the generals of the Southern Expedition, including Di Yong.

So it is extremely exquisite, and the most important thing is that it introduces a concept called scale.

Therefore, the battle of the Southern Expedition can be replayed on the sand table.

Therefore, the martial arts professors and martial arts students no longer aimed at nothing, but took the war that had just happened, broke it apart and crushed it, and introduced in detail the offense, defense and choices of the enemy and ourselves in the war bit by bit.

Yanda, Miao Lu and other generals from the three government agencies all went to see it.

They were all shocked and thought he was the best choice to train generals.

In addition to the three yamen generals, the two governors of the Xifu Privy Council, as well as Lu Dafang, the minister of the Ministry of War of the central government, also went to observe.

"The empress dowager, the empress dowager, and the official family are promoted to the palace!"

Following Feng Jing's voice, the ministers quickly lined up and stood respectfully with their talons in hand.

When the sound of footsteps came from the inner chamber, all the officials collectively bowed their heads and said, "I respectfully welcome the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager, and Your Majesty the Emperor."

"No gift!"

The voice of the Queen Mother came from the curtain in the hall.

Then, the official's voice also came out: "Feng Jing, I will give you seats and tea for all the ministers."

"promise!"

As a result, the chairs that had been prepared long ago were sent behind the ministers in the palace.

Then the female officials served the tea soup that had been brewed.

After thanking the ministers, they sat down and took the tea.

Then he listened to the little official in the curtain and said confidently: "All of you, my ministers, should have already known. What are you going to discuss when you invite your ministers to the palace today?"

All the ministers agreed one after another.

"I have discussed it with the Cishengs of the Two Palaces. Now that things have just started, it is too early to talk about the battle and defense strategy on the front line."

"In addition to the unknown situation of the enemy, it is not appropriate to give orders to General Xihe rashly!"

The ministers listened and could hardly believe their ears.

Especially Guo Kui, he was almost crying!

Because when he led his army to the south, if the late emperor of Bianjing City could make such a statement in front of the emperor like today's officials, he would not choose to march in such a season!

If we can wait two months, after the rainy season, we can start attacking again.

Then how could his army be defeated by the disease in front of the Furiang River and fall short of success? !

Therefore, Guo Kui was extremely jealous of Zhao Xi.

"So, the main reason why I invite you to enter the palace today is to discuss with you how to stabilize the situation in the capital so that the people will not panic." The official continued.

The ministers all nodded as they listened, deeply agreeing.

This Bianjing person dares to spread any gossip and discuss anything.

Therefore, in this matter, one person behaved in a panic and caused panic among the people.

The impact may even be greater than a defeat on the front line.

So they all said: "Your Majesty is wise!"

My mood also calmed down.

The petty officials are so calm and calm, how can they, the chief ministers and generals, panic?

Unknowingly, the nervousness caused by the sudden news that something happened to Xihe was gone.

"Then let's get started!"

The little official inside the curtain still maintained his rhythm.

"Let's start by calming down the people in the capital...the ministers can speak freely."

The ministers bowed again and began to make speeches one by one.

One measure after another, one suggestion after another was put forward.

Doing this kind of thing is their specialty - the civil servants of the Song Dynasty may not be able to lead troops, but they are unparalleled in maintaining stability and have extremely rich experience!

Even Li Chang, who has the most junior qualifications, has extremely solid experience in this aspect!
No way, this is their special skill.

Listening to the suggestions of the governors, the two palaces inside the curtain nodded from time to time, and then ordered the governors to implement the suggestions.

After talking about the stability of Beijing, Zhao Xu continued: "Although the situation in Xihe is unclear now, the preparations that need to be made must still be made."

"I heard that the troops and horses have not moved, but the food and grass go first!"

"The military supplies and supplies needed on Xihe Road should be listed as the top priority!"

"Please all your ministers, please discuss a safe method to ensure the supply of military supplies in Xihe."

This is still the professional field of civil servants.

In particular, Han Jiang and Lu Gong are experts in this field.

Of the two of them, one has presided over the Hengshan strategy and the other has presided over the material transfer for the Five-Road Expedition to Summer. They have rich experience in this matter.

Others also have actual resumes at the passing level.

Although unlike Han Jiang and Lu Gongzhu, he has experience in organizing and supplying hundreds of thousands of troops.

But we all know that the various precautions for material transfer, and the opinions and suggestions put forward are all to the point.

Zhao Xu listened and ordered someone to record it, and then sent a copy to the Xifu when the palace made the final decision. The story of Xiaoren Temple was also decided by the palace. From now on, the Dongfu and Xifu will discuss it in the capital hall, and the left prime minister Han Jiang and the right prime minister will discuss the story. The Prime Minister Lu Gong was in charge of the affairs of the East and West Prefectures and the Three Government Offices.

This is actually a war cabinet.

In addition, based on Lu Gongzhu's suggestion, it was decided to worship the ruling Li Chang as the capital's three-door Baibo shipping envoy, who would be solely responsible for the transportation of grain, grass and military equipment to Shaanxi.

At the same time, according to Han Jiang's suggestion, an edict was issued to inform Deng Wan of the Yongxing Army and concurrently serve as the deputy transshipment envoy of Shaanxi to enhance the efficiency of material transshipment in Shaanxi. Although Deng Wan has a bad reputation, he is really capable!
Since he took up the post of Yongxing Army last year, he has perfectly completed many tasks in the capital and can even be selected as a 'model for the implementation of Yuanyou's New Deal'.

There's no way, that's what official fans are like.

In order to progress, they can burst out with unimaginable energy.

Of course, in the end, these things still cannot be separated from one thing - money!

Without money everything is a loft in the sky.

And all the money in Hube's pocket has already been spent.

This year’s autumn tax has not been collected yet.

Even if it is collected, after seven or eight deductions, there will not be much left.

It is simply impossible to support a war.

"Your Majesty, I'm brave... I don't have much money left today... Please, Your Majesty, seal the money in the treasury for the benefit of the military and the country." Under Lu Gongzhu's suggestion, his student Li Changzhan made a trembling request.

The curtain suddenly fell into a deathly silence.

Lu Gongzhu's heart suddenly rose to his throat.

Everyone looked up and stared at the figure inside the curtain.

After a long time, a voice like heaven appeared in the curtain: "Yes!"

"Take care of Zhang Heng, the Minister of Accounts, and prepare a budget before submitting it to me!"

The ministers were immediately overjoyed - as we all know, Zhao officials are all iron roosters.

Once the money is in their pockets, it is not that easy to get out again.

For example, the sealing pile warehouse left by Taizu eventually became the palace gates and halls of Yuqing Zhaoying Palace, and not a single copper plate was given to the outer court.

The two palaces in the curtain looked at Zhao Xu in surprise at this moment.

Queen Mother Xiang was even more nervous.

But Zhao Xu smiled and said to her: "Mother, please feel at ease."

“As much as you put out of the pile sealing warehouse, you can get back as much as you can.”

"There won't be any shortage of money."

The Queen Mother nodded.

She has enough confidence in Zhao Xu on this matter.

Because this kid can really make money!

Moreover, he is extremely efficient in making money, and he can always find ways to make money in places that others would not think of.

Last year's foreign relative Xunchen and this year's great monk are both typical.

Even Beilu, he can find a way to make money.

(End of this chapter)