Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

德芳39岁王妃40岁长子惟叙22岁次子惟宪20岁幼子惟能18岁

Wei Ling is 16 years old Zhenzong (Zhao Heng) is 30 years old Tian Cheng is 26 years old

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In November of the first year of Xianping, King Song of Koryo died of illness. His nephew Wang Song sent an envoy to Liao. In winter and November, the Liao Kingdom sent envoys to canonize Wang Song again as King of Korea.)

In the same month, Zhebu Youlongbo, the deputy envoy of the right wing of the Hexi Army and General Guide, went to pay tribute to the Song Dynasty in person. Youlongbo was from Tubo, and four generations of his family were appointed as local chiefs by the Song Dynasty court. Before that, there had never been a chieftain. He personally went to the Song Dynasty to pay tribute to Fangwu. This time, Youlongbo not only came here in person, but also presented more than [-] horses produced locally. Zhenzong was very happy and named him General Anyuan.

In Chongzheng Hall, Zhenzong summoned Eight Sage King Defang and Prime Minister Li Hang.

"Brother Huang, the [-] horses that Youlongbo donated this time can be used by the cavalry of the capital. I have been worrying about this recently. I didn't expect Youlongbo to donate the horses in time. It's really great."

"Yes, Your Majesty, the capital has just expanded its cavalry by a thousand and is in need of strong horses for training. The horses donated by Youlongbo are produced in the grasslands and raised nomadicly. I believe the horses must be strong." Defang said.

"That's right, I think so too. The cavalry of the capital was originally less than [-], but it has not been replenished for many years. The cavalry and horses in the battlefield have suffered serious losses, and it is difficult to increase them in time. This expansion will enhance the defense of the capital and also assist the officials of the Kaifeng government. To govern the capital, I plan to expand another thousand cavalry, which will be incorporated into the border towns to enhance the effectiveness of defending against the enemy."

Prime Minister Li Hang said, "Your Majesty has thoughtful considerations. The border gate is rich in vegetation. It can be used to herd horses and breed foals. It is more effective than supervising herdsmen to raise them by themselves."

"Well." Zhenzong nodded, "At present, how many horses can I enter every year in Song Dynasty?"

Li Han said, "Returning to Your Majesty, according to statistics, our Song Dynasty has a total of more than [-] horses every year."

"Five thousand" Zhenzong thought for a while, "It's really not that much, how did you buy it?"

Defang said, "Your Majesty, most of the horses purchased are bought by market horses, and they are usually paid for with cloth, tea and other items. The sources of horses are different, so the physique of the horses is also very different, but judging from the amount paid , and there is no big gap, I feel that this matter should be investigated and rectified, in case someone takes advantage of the imperial court's omissions and fills their own pockets."

Shinzong nodded, "Yes, [-] horses are not many at all. If there are any problems with the horses, the court will not only pay too much money, but also fail to improve the combat power of the cavalry. Isn't it worth the candle."

Li Hang said, "Your Majesty is right. The imperial court spends a lot of money on this every year, but the cavalry department reports that there are not a few horses that are damaged every year. In addition to the various expenses and manpower for supervising and raising the horses, The burden on the imperial court is also very heavy."

"Then what should we do?" Zhenzong thought

Defang thought for a while and said, "Your Majesty, why don't we set up horse departments in the capitals of the Northwest states, appoint special personnel to estimate the price of horses, and then let the officials pay the corresponding property according to the shape of the horses."