Zhao Defang's road to the virtuous king

Nan Gongwen nodded, "Emperor Taizu knows people and uses them well. In the early years, I heard that Emperor Taizu once had a book, which recorded the names of officials, big and small. It not only has their merits and strengths, but also has their shortcomings and shortcomings. When he was an official, Emperor Taizu would read the book and record it on the Internet at any time, but since Emperor Taizu passed away, no one has seen this book again."

Defang smiled, "You really know a lot, what about this jade badge?"

Nan Gongwen looked at the jade chapter and said, "There are four characters [Emperor Xinbao] on this jade chapter, which is the seal of the emperor's credential. It is generally used to enlist troops, and occasionally it is also printed as a letter written by the emperor. The meaning is the same as that of an official. It is a private seal, but it is also a symbol of imperial power."

"That's right," Defang said, "What Nangong said is correct, these two things belong to Emperor Taizu."

Concubine Di came over, "My lord, why did the Emperor Taizu give you such an important book?"

Defang shook his head, "I don't know much about it either. Perhaps, Emperor Taizu hopes that I can do more things for the country with these officials."

"My lord, under what circumstances did Emperor Taizu give you this book?" Nangong Wen asked

Defang looked at the three people in the room and said, "Things have been going on for so many years, and I really haven't figured out a lot of things. Today, my wife and Nangong are both here, so let's sit down."

Nangong opened the door and looked around to see if there was no one around, closed the door and sat down with Concubine Di, and Baili also sat next to a chair.

Defang took a sip of tea, holding the book in his hand, thinking back to Kaibao years. . .

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In 975, the eighth year of Kaibao, in the Chongzheng Hall, Emperor Taizu sat on a chair drinking tea and looked at Defang standing in front of the imperial case. At this time, Defang was 16 years old and had just married Di Concubine.

Defang looked at a piece of paper on the imperial case attentively, and Taizu asked, "How?"

Defang raised his head and cupped his hands and said, "Going back to my father, my son thinks it is feasible. At present, the main force of the imperial court is concentrated near the Southern Tang Dynasty. If it is transferred from the capital, it will be delayed for a long time. It is not conducive to the war if the tired army arrives at the battlefield. Conscripting soldiers from towns around the Tang Dynasty is very economical in terms of mobilization time and financial resources, and the area where the soldiers are replenished can just make up for the weakness of the longer front. I believe that this time the Southern Tang Dynasty will be defeated in one fell swoop."

Taizu nodded, "Well, what Defang said is exactly what the emperor thinks, very good, then in your opinion, can Cao Bin break through the Southern Tang Dynasty?"

"Returning to my father, General Cao is skilled in defending the army, brave and resourceful, and never killed or looted indiscriminately in the battle of breaking the city. He is the best candidate to attack the Southern Tang Dynasty."

"Well, I think so too, that's why I asked Cao Bin to attack the Southern Tang Dynasty as the coach. My father also wants you to study with Cao Bin's army, Defang." Taizu stood up, pointed to the box next to the case and said, "Open."

Defang opened the box, and inside was a square white jade medal with a dragon button on it. Taizu said, "cover it on the book paper, and let the Privy Council and the Ministry of War handle this matter."

"Yes" Defang picked up the jade badge and was just about to cover it, when the chief servant outside the door said, "Your Majesty, the King of Jin is here"

"Come in," Taizu said

King Zhao Guangyi of Jin walked in, saw Defang stunned for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "My brother sees the emperor brother"

Taizu patted Guangyi, "My brother, don't be too polite, sit down"

"Thank you" Guangyi saluted.....