Do you know the long song of laughter?

Chapter 448: Discussion on Moving the Capital
"It was only after listening to the advice of my great minister that I asked my mother to rule the country from behind the scenes. Now that I have just ascended the throne, I have different political views with my mother. What should I do in the future?" said Zhao Zongquan.

That’s right, it was Han Zhang who proposed asking the Empress Dowager to rule the country from behind the scenes.

It is naturally impossible for Zhao Zongquan to put a tight ring on himself.

Han Zhang is the prime minister, second only to the emperor, so Zhao Zongquan naturally needs to win him over.

Before he ascended the throne, Zhao Zongquan had talked to Han Zhang many times.

Zhao Zongquan once asked Han Zhang how to quickly stabilize the situation given his shallow foundation.

His original intention was to gain Han Zhang's loyalty, but Han Zhang suggested that he ask the Queen Mother to rule the country from behind the scenes.

Although Zhao Zongquan was reluctant, he was finally persuaded by Han Zhang.

He originally wanted to maintain a good relationship with the Queen Mother, and after the court was stable for a period of time, the Queen Mother would be able to withdraw from the throne and return power.

However, the two had huge differences when it came to the issue of the Liao Kingdom.

In this case, it may not be so easy to ask the Queen Mother to return power in the future.

"Your Majesty, don't worry. Asking the Queen Mother to rule the country from behind the curtain is only a temporary measure. This matter was advocated by this old minister. Once the court is stable, I will naturally ask the Queen Mother to withdraw the curtain and return power." Han Zhang said.

He understood that Zhao Zongquan was forcing him to take sides. Even if Zhao Zongquan did not do so, he would not allow the empress dowager to rule the country behind the scenes for a long time.

"I feel relieved now that you say so, my Lord." Zhao Zongquan nodded slightly.

As the prime minister, Han Zhang enjoyed high prestige in the court.

If he stood up and asked the Queen Mother to return power, many civil and military officials in the court would surely agree.

Even if the empress dowager was unwilling, she had to return power at the request of the majority of the court.

……

Because the Liao Kingdom and Western Xia had many spies on the Song Dynasty side.

The news of sending more troops to the north has not spread. Although it cannot be kept secret forever, it can be delayed as long as possible.

However, the news that the Liao Kingdom deployed troops on the border and forced the Song Dynasty to increase annual tribute spread.

For a time, scholars and common people in Bianliang were discussing the matter, and most of them disagreed with increasing the annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom.

But there were also many who agreed to pay annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom.

Although Bianjing was still far from the northern border, there were no strategic locations to defend in the north. Once the Liao Kingdom broke through the northern border town, the Liao Kingdom, with its large number of cavalry, could march straight into the capital of the Song Dynasty.

Wasn't the Weishui Alliance in the early Tang Dynasty the result of nomadic tribes driving the Chinese people to the outskirts of Chang'an?

During the debate, some people even suggested that the capital should be moved.

In fact, Emperor Taizu had the idea of ​​moving the capital at the beginning of the founding of the country.

The two cities with the most capitals in ancient times were Chang'an and Luoyang.

Because these two places have dangerous passes to defend, they are very safe.

Bianjing was flat and not suitable as a capital.

According to Taizu's intention, the capital was planned to be moved to Luoyang.

However, it encountered opposition from Taizong and almost all the court ministers.

In addition, the prosperity of Bianliang at that time had surpassed Luoyang and Guanzhong, so in the end they had to give up.

Not only were the people talking about it, but officials were also discussing it privately.

In the office of the Hanlin Academy editor, Fan Cunjin and Zhang Weihua were also arguing.

Fan Cunjin believed that the capital should be moved, but Zhang Weihua believed that it should not be moved.

The two of them each thought that they were right, and neither could convince the other.

"Ziqian, do you think we should move the capital?" Fan Cunjin asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Weihua also looked at Li An. As for Lin Yizhi, neither of them had any intention of paying attention to him.

Lin Yizi used to be very proud of his relationship with Prince Yong, but he was not popular.

Li An heard this and said, "One should do his job. Whether to move the capital is up to the government and the ministers. What's the point of us arguing about this?"

"Zi Qian, you are too cautious. People have been talking about moving the capital, but there is nothing to worry about," said Fan Cunjin.

Li An did not have any concerns. Speech was still very free in the Song Dynasty. And as Fan Cunjin said, the issue of moving the capital had always been discussed, and it was not a sensitive topic.

He just didn't want to engage in these fearless debates. The resistance to moving the capital was too great, even greater than the resistance to reform.

After all, reforms were carried out twice during the entire Northern Song Dynasty, and even Taizu failed to move the capital.

For officials in Beijing, their family businesses were all in Bianliang, and the land value in Bianliang had always been high.

Once the capital is moved, the value of their houses and fields will depreciate greatly.

When the news of the capital's relocation spreads, no matter where it moves to, the houses and fields there will have owners, and their prices will inevitably skyrocket.

Even if they got the news in advance and could sell off and arrange people to go to Xindu to buy houses and land, it would not be realistic.

After all, there must be a lot of people who can get the news, and it is easy for the news to leak out. Moreover, there are many people selling it, and those who can afford it are not fools, so they will naturally notice it.

If the political reform affects their future interests, then moving the capital affects their immediate interests.

The resistance can be imagined.

Facing the two people's persuasion, Li An hesitated and said: "Moving the capital will have a great impact, with both advantages and disadvantages. I don't know how to evaluate it. But it is definitely not appropriate to move the capital now."

"Why?" Zhang Weihua asked puzzledly.

"The Liao Kingdom is now deploying its troops. If the imperial court proposes to move the capital, it would seem as if it is afraid of the Liao Kingdom. Whether it is to negotiate peace or fight, it will be extremely disadvantageous to the Song Dynasty," said Li An.

Moving the capital now is the same as withdrawing the general's flag on the battlefield, which will only affect the morale of one's own side.

Unless you are stupid, you will not move the capital at this time.

The two were not satisfied with the result and wanted to ask more questions, but Ang Lee just smiled and refused to say anything.

……

After finishing his shift in the afternoon, Li An did not go home but came to Gu Tingye's house.

"Zhong Huai, it seems my worries are unnecessary." Li An smiled as he looked at Gu Tingye who was still able to sit.

"I have nothing to hide from you. I was just cooperating with the emperor in a play yesterday." Gu Tingye said with a smile.

If someone else came, he would definitely pretend.

But there is naturally nothing to pretend in front of Ang Lee.

"What happened yesterday?" Li An asked curiously.

He held a low-ranking official position, and Zhao Zongquan did not call him to attend the meeting, so he did not know what was happening in the palace.

It was only after entering the palace today that I heard that Gu Tingye had angered the Queen Mother and was beaten with a stick.

Gu Tingye briefly recounted the situation at that time and said with a smile: "The emperor is unwilling to compromise with the Liao Kingdom, and even revealed his intention to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun."

Gu Tingye was born into a military family and had the ambition to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun since he was a child.

Now that Zhao Zongquan has this ambition, he feels that he has a chance to realize his ambitions.

"I'm glad you're okay. I'll go back first." Li An said.

"Why are you in such a hurry? Since you're here, have a few drinks with me before you leave. I'm afraid I won't have the chance to go with the army this time, and I feel very depressed." Gu Tingye said.

"Forget about drinking. You angered the Queen Mother and got punished. I came to see you leave drunk. If someone noticed, wouldn't it be like telling others that you were pretending?" Li An said. "That's right, then don't drink. Just chat with me." Gu Tingye said, "Do you think there will be a fight this time?"

"Of course. The Liao Kingdom has deployed troops on the border with great fanfare. Wouldn't it be embarrassing if they just left in disgrace? But it should be just a simple test and the stalemate won't last too long." Li An said.

"I thought so too, but unfortunately the Queen Mother is hesitant and wants to negotiate peace with the Liao Kingdom." Gu Tingye sighed.

"Zhong Huai, even though there's no one else around now, it's better not to say too much about this kind of thing." Li An said solemnly.

There are some things you can think about in your mind but cannot say out loud.

If you say it carelessly one day, you will be in big trouble.

"I'm just telling you this. I won't tell it in front of others." Gu Tingye said.

The two have a secret in common that they cannot tell anyone.

Therefore, the two of them can talk about anything without any scruples.

"Okay, it's getting late, you should just focus on recuperating. I'll be going back first." Li An said.

"Then I won't see you off. Shitou, please send Ziqian off on my behalf." Gu Tingye said.

"Yes." Shi Tou at the door heard the sound, walked in and saluted.

Just then, a servant came hurriedly and reported: "My Lord, Prince Huan is here."

Gu Tingye was startled when he heard this, and said, "Ziqian, come with me to welcome His Royal Highness Prince Huan."

"Don't go. Don't forget that you still need to recover from your injuries." Li An reminded.

"I almost forgot." Gu Tingye patted his forehead and said, "Ziqian, please go and greet him."

"Ah."

Li An nodded and walked out.

When I was almost at the door, Zhao Ceying had already walked in.

"Your Highness!" Li An saluted.

"Ziqian is here too. I wanted to find some time to see you these days." Zhao Ceying smiled and waved his hand.

"I came to see Zhong Huai. I wonder what Your Highness wants to see me about?" Li An asked.

"Let's go see Zhong Huai first and talk about it later." Zhao Ceying said.

Li An nodded and followed Zhao Ceying to the main hall.

"Your Highness!"

Gu Tingye and his wife were waiting at the entrance of the main hall. When they saw Zhao Ceying coming, they quickly bowed and said, "I was unable to come to greet you from afar. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

"You'd better at least pretend. If this gets to the Empress Dowager's ears, even your father won't be able to save you." Zhao Ceying said unhappily.

Gu Tingye smiled and said, "Only if Your Highness came, otherwise I would definitely lie on the couch and pretend."

"You, you." Zhao Ceying pointed at Gu Tingye.

"Your Highness, please come inside."

Gu Tingye invited Zhao Ceying into the hall, and Yu Yanran bowed and left.

After the servant brought the tea, he sent him away and said, "Your Highness, does His Majesty have any instructions?"

"No, I just came to visit you. If you don't pretend, I have to pretend." Zhao Ceying said unhappily.

Gu Tingye was a little disappointed when he heard this and said, "I thought Your Majesty wanted me to go with the army."

"Okay, I won't tease you anymore." Zhao Ceying put away his smile and said, "Father said that you should wait a few days to go with the army and make up for your crime."

Mobilizing troops is not something that can be done with just a word of mouth. It takes a lot of time just to allocate food, fodder and equipment.

Therefore, it will take a few more days for the army to set out.

Zhao Zongquan only has a few confidants, and they all have little experience. This is a good opportunity to gain credit, so he naturally wants to send all of them over.

Gu Tingye was delighted when he heard this, and said happily: "I will definitely make amends for my crime and make up for my crime!"

Zhao Ceying pondered and said, "This war cannot be dragged on for too long. We must force the Liao Kingdom to withdraw its troops as soon as possible."

Gu Tingye was surprised when he heard this: "Your Highness, what happened?"

Zhao Ceying smiled bitterly and said, "Nothing has happened. It's just that the treasury is short of money and food, and can't afford a long-term war. Besides, the spring ploughing is coming soon. If it's delayed too long, a large number of civilians will be needed, which will delay the spring ploughing."

The late emperor passed away at the end of last year, and the national mourning ended just after the Lantern Festival.

It is almost February now, and spring ploughing will begin in the south of the Yangtze River from March.

As the saying goes, food and fodder must be sent before troops move out. The food stored in the north is sufficient for the time being, but if the situation drags on for too long, we will have to recruit civilians from the south to transport the food.

Not only will it delay spring ploughing, the problem is that there is not much grain left in the south.

The number of the Song Dynasty's imperial guards and local troops exceeded one million, and all of these soldiers were supported by money and food provided by the imperial court.

The grain output in the south is high, which should be enough to support a war. However, there was a rebellion last year, and the army consumed a lot of grain to suppress the rebellion and resettle the people.

We simply can't afford a protracted war now.

"The imperial court is so seriously short of money and food?" Gu Tingye asked in surprise.

"It's more serious than you think. Food is easy to deal with as long as we wait until this year's autumn harvest. The most important thing is money. I checked the court's expenditures in recent years and they are almost the same. That is to say, after deducting expenses, the court has spent all the annual taxes." Zhao Ceying said.

"Your Highness, I understand." Gu Tingye pondered and said, "Even if Liao knew that Song had sent reinforcements, they would not think that Song would dare to take the initiative to attack Liao. Therefore, the Liao army stationed on the border would inevitably be careless in defense. If they want to win a quick victory, they can only attack the Liao army camp as soon as the army arrives. The initiative will inevitably be in the hands of Liao, and it is impossible to predict how long it will take for Liao to withdraw its troops."

In recent years, the Song Dynasty made concessions to the Liao Dynasty in every aspect and paid annual tribute to the Liao Dynasty, which also gave the Liao Dynasty the impression that the Song Dynasty was weak and could be bullied.

Even if the Song Dynasty increased its troops, the Liao Kingdom would arrogantly think that the Song Dynasty would not dare to take the initiative to send troops.

If they launch a surprise attack without any intention, they will surely defeat the Liao army.

However, doing so might also incur the wrath of the Liao Kingdom, so the government's consent would be required.

"Zhong Huai is truly a rare military talent. Today, my father summoned Duke Yingguo to discuss this matter, and Duke Yingguo said the same thing." Zhao Ceying praised.

"Your Majesty agreed?" Gu Tingye asked in surprise.

"Well, my father has already told the Duke of England, so you can do as you see fit." Zhao Ceying said.

"If that's the case, it won't be difficult to defeat the Liao Kingdom," said Gu Tingye.

"Yes." Zhao Ceying nodded and said, "You should stay at home for the next few days and don't go out. When the army sets out, your father will issue an imperial decree, and you can go with the army then."

"Yes!" Gu Tingye replied.

Zhao Ceying looked at Li An who had been silent, and said, "Ziqian, now people outside are discussing the issue of moving the capital. They say that Bianjing has no strategic location to defend. What do you think about this?"

Li An was stunned and asked, "Your Highness, does His Majesty intend to move the capital?"

"No, I just heard this statement and thought it made sense. And I remember that Emperor Taizu had intended to move the capital at the beginning and was ready to make suggestions to my father." Zhao Ceying said.

"Your Highness, moving the capital involves a lot of issues and it is not that simple. Besides, now is not the right time to move the capital," said Li An.

"Ziqian does not agree with moving the capital?" Zhao Ceying asked.

"It's not the right time to move the capital in the short term," said Li An.

Moving the capital would definitely bring more benefits than disadvantages to the Song Dynasty, but the resistance was too great and it simply would not work.

Instead of wasting energy on moving the capital, it would be more practical to find ways to eliminate internal malpractices.

(End of this chapter)