Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

During the discussion, Zhao Pu suggested to Emperor Taizong, "Your Majesty, the Bajiao old city at the junction of Song and Dangxiang is no longer capable of defense. Properly repair and reinforce, and according to the old Bajiao city structure, build a new Bajiao city soldier town in the west of Beijing, garrison the imperial army and farming troops, strengthen the guards around the capital, and connect the military stations and pass towns in the northwest."

Lu Duosun also came forward and said: "What Prime Minister Zhao said is very true. The old town is located at the junction of the Song Dynasty and the Dangxiang. The Liao army's scattered cavalry often harassed the border. The roads in the old city are not easy to pass. Although it is easy to defend and difficult to attack, the Ministry of War has I haven’t asked about it for many years. The troops have been stationed for ten years. The soldiers are exhausted and the generals are injured. They should be transferred back to rest.”

Taizong nodded, "I agree with what the two prime ministers have said, but observing and repairing the old city of Bajiao, establishing a military town in the west of Beijing, and stationing new troops are all important affairs. Heavy duty?"

Zhao Pu looked at Lu Duoxun, then looked up at De Fang who was sitting on the left side of Emperor Taizong, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Bingzhen will be an important place in the west of Beijing in the future, and the repair and deployment should be under the direct control of His Majesty. To be trusted by His Majesty, and to be respected and convinced by soldiers and generals, in conclusion, I have a candidate, and I believe Prime Minister Lu will agree."

Lu Duoxun looked at Zhao Pu. He and Zhao Pu had different opinions in many areas. Taizong had long been dissatisfied with Lu Duoxun. Once relevant officials were promoted, he and Zhao Pu would always have some conflicts. Zhao Pu said so at this time, he was very strange , So he asked, "I don't know who Prime Minister Zhao is recommending? He is trusted by His Majesty and convinced by the generals, so this person must be well known to all the officials, but in this court, the Prime Minister did not see such an official. Could it be Prime Minister Zhao himself?" Lu Duoxun said sarcastically

Taizong also wanted to know, so he asked, "Who is the prime minister's candidate? I also want to know."

Defang, who was sitting on the side, also looked at Zhao Pu, and also wanted to know the name of this person, who can be trusted by Taizong and the generals, and who is acceptable to both Zhao Pu and Lu Duoxun, and who can take on this great task, must be different What is unusual is that if there is such a person who can coordinate all parties, it would be a blessing to the Song Dynasty. Thinking of this, Defang waited seriously for Zhao Pu's answer, and all the officials looked at each other, not knowing the answer.

Zhao Pu smiled, took a step forward and said, "The person I'm recommending is at His Majesty's side right now." Zhao Pu looked up at Defang

Taizong turned his head to look at Defang. At this moment, Defang's eyes were already wide open. He never thought that Zhao Pu was referring to himself. Lu Duoxun was also very surprised. The focus of all the officials was already on Defang.

Taizong stood up, came to Defang who was standing there, put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Very good, I am very satisfied"

Defang was taken aback, and immediately stood up, "Your Majesty, my minister... I am still inexperienced, and I am afraid that I will not be able to take on the important task."

At this time Zhao Pu said, "Your Majesty, do not be humble. Let me tell you that the virtuous king is the son of the late emperor. He is benevolent and filial. Repair the old city, establish a military town, and deploy military defenses, I believe I will be able to do it."

Lu Duoxun also stepped forward and said, "My Majesty, I also agree with Prime Minister Zhao's words. The prince is calm and considerate in his work. His Majesty is also the title of the virtuous king. I also think that he is the best candidate."

Taizong nodded, looked at Defang and said, "Nephew, don't want to refuse. It's rare that the two prime ministers agree so much. I have high hopes for you. I'm very relieved to leave this matter to my nephew."

"Minister..." Defang wanted to say something, but was stopped by Taizong, and he directly announced the decree, "The virtuous king Defang is now responsible for the repair of the old city of Bajiao and the replacement of soldiers, and the construction of the military town in the west of Beijing. He is fully responsible for the old city and the new city. To rectify defense, military and political matters, the term of office is eight months, and he will leave for his post three days later."