Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

"The Liao army has conquered Mancheng and is marching towards Qizhou. The generals of the cities have not yet been properly deployed. If they send troops rashly, the Liao people may take advantage of the situation and capture more cities."

"But Your Majesty, if the city is closed and guarded, wouldn't the Liao people become even more arrogant. How can the guard watch the enemy bandits rampage in our Great Song Dynasty and slaughter thousands of my people!"

"I have made up my mind. It won't be too late to dispatch troops after the ministers discuss a proper countermeasure. At that time, Liao's popularity will definitely disappear, and our Great Song Dynasty can easily defeat it."

Just as Defang was about to say something more, Zhao Pu said first, "Your Majesty's words are true, so it is the best policy."

"En." Taizong nodded, "Nephew, all the ministers in the court think that it is not appropriate to confront each other head-on at this time, and temporarily withdraw their edge to make a bigger plan."

Defang looked at Zhao Pu, feeling puzzled, hearing Taizong's words, it seemed that there was no room for maneuver, so she cupped her hands and said, "Yes, Your Majesty"

"Sit down, the prime minister just wants to recommend someone to go to the border supervisor."

"Oh?" Defang asked, "Your Majesty, what supervisor?"

"I originally planned to send Zhonghuangmen and other servants to the border to proclaim the holy will, but the prime minister said that the generals would be warlike and the servants would not be able to persuade them. If the words collide again, the edict may become empty. Therefore, the Prime Minister asked me to send another important official to go with me, if the general refuses to obey the edict and sends troops under the pretext, this person can also exercise his authority to stop it."

"But I don't know which minister His Majesty will send to the battlefield?"

Taizong looked at Zhao Pu, "Prime Minister, who do you recommend?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, the person recommended by the minister is none other than the Eight Sage Kings."

Hearing this, Taizong and all the ministers looked at Defang. Defang was stunned for a moment, thinking how could the prime minister let me and a group of servants declare this kind of decree? , if the general insists on going to war, I really don't know how to deal with it, so I ask your majesty to send another capable person."

Taizong looked at Zhao Pu, "Is there any reason for the Prime Minister to recommend the Eight Sage Kings?"

"Returning to Your Majesty, this time the Liao Emperor personally led an army to invade the Song Dynasty in the south, and he has captured several cities in just two months. The generals of all ministries must be eager to fight. If the imperial court only sends officials, it may be difficult to control, and there are many city guards in the battlefield. , how can a few internal servants and ordinary officials have the right to control? That's why the minister recommended the eight virtuous kings. The prince is the son of the Taizu, and he is the prince of the two dynasties. It is appropriate to supervise the ministries on behalf of His Majesty. The prince can be killed with a golden mace, and anyone who disobeys will be considered a rebel, so who dares not obey the prince's decree to proclaim His Majesty's holy will?"

Defang wondered what is going on with you, Prime Minister, I just don't want to promulgate such an edict, now that the Liao army has reached the Song Dynasty, they even want me to go to the battlefield to announce the edict, let the cities shut themselves up, and watch the Liao bandits Burning, killing, looting, doesn't this make me a sinner!How can I do this kind of thing that offends the general and is sorry for my family and country!So he hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, it is difficult for a minister to take on such a heavy responsibility. If something goes wrong, the minister will die."

"Your Majesty" Zhao Pu continued, "There are only eight sage kings in the civil and military dynasties who can bear this heavy responsibility. The prince holds a golden mace and has the power of life and death. As a royal family, he is respected by everyone. The prince sits in the frontier battle field, and no general dares to act recklessly, so I ask your Majesty's associate ministers to recommend him."

"His Majesty..."

"Emperor's nephew" Taizong interrupted Defang, "The prime minister's words are reasonable. If someone disobeys my order and goes to war without authorization, it will put the border into greater danger. It's the best choice."

"But Your Majesty..."