The Liao Kingdom wanted to close the country, but how could the Song Dynasty easily let them do so? They had to make it more difficult for Yelu Hongji.
Royal Palace.
Zhao Xu excitedly said to Zhang Fei: "As you expected, news came from Dengzhou just now. When the Liao Lord announced the sea ban, those overseas smugglers of the Liao Kingdom immediately took control of Peach Blossom Island, and
Hope to get our support.”
Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty, we must capture this island because the Liao Kingdom still needs our products very much. If we control this island, we can not only continue to infiltrate and destroy the ban of the Lord of Liao, but also use it to fight with the Liao Dynasty."
Contact the tribes in the northern part of the country, even Goryeo, and then infiltrate from the rear.
The Lord of Liao will definitely take stronger measures to suppress it, and will definitely send people to seize Peach Blossom Island and suppress the tribes in the north, so that we can involve some of their power.
In short, we must do everything we can to make Liao a headache."
Zhao Xu laughed and said: "You think the same as me, just like the Northern Dynasty did to us."
Previously, the Song Dynasty made some moves against Xixia, and the Liao Kingdom came to take advantage of the situation. This must be treated in its own way.
Of course Zhang Fei also knew that the Jurchens were behind the Liao Kingdom, but the current Song Dynasty had no reason to fear the Jurchens, and they would become pawns of the Song Dynasty.
Zhang Fei said: "Also, has your Majesty ever thought about how our maritime merchants should incorporate strategic places like Peach Blossom Island into our territory in the future?"
Zhao Xu frowned and said, "But overseas places are not easy to control."
Zhang Fei said: "I think compared to the land of Xihe, where people's sentiments are complicated, overseas places need to be better controlled. Because there is no rule without rules, especially for businessmen. We can encourage them through legislation.
Maritime merchants opened up more territories.
At that time, the imperial court can establish local government offices and provide military support in exchange for local tax revenue. The merchants will definitely be happy, and His Majesty will also gain something."
Zhao Xu asked: "How much tax can there be in those places?"
Zhang Fei said: "The place that businessmen value must be a place to make money. If it is really deserted, businessmen will not go there."
"That's true." Zhao Xu nodded slightly, "Just do what you say."
Zhang Fei smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty, I am the president of the court, and I have no control over such matters. I suggest that in the future, such matters should be handed over to the Political Affairs Hall."
After hearing this, Zhao Xu's expression changed slightly, and he frowned and said, "In fact, Duke Wen and others have also hinted at me regarding this matter, but this means that I may have to hand over the Security Department of the Song Dynasty."
Regarding the plan against Yelu Yixin, only the two of them knew about it, and the prime ministers were all kept in the dark. Although everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it succeeded.
But when they came back to their senses, they realized that something was wrong, so they expressed their dissatisfaction with Zhao Xu. We are the prime minister, the president of the court is only in charge of the trial, and you two are messing with this matter behind the scenes and hiding it from us. Is this appropriate?
We are at a loss as to what to do if something unexpected happens, who knows how to deal with it.
Zhao Xu has also been thinking about this issue recently.
Zhang Fei said: "Your Majesty does not need to hand over the Security Department of the Song Dynasty at all. He only needs to divide these secrets into several levels. Now the lowest level can be handed over to the local government, while military and national affairs are handed over to the Political Affairs Hall and the Third Division.
Or the Privy Council, if it involves national security, especially cases of treason, your Majesty must be informed first, and your Majesty will make the final decision."
Zhao Xu nodded and asked, "What about you?"
Zhang Fei said: "If Your Majesty needs it, I can help Your Majesty with suggestions, but these matters should be left to the Political Affairs Hall. In the past, there was no way to hide it from them, because they would not agree to any policy that undermined the Chanyuan Alliance. But now the situation has changed
In the face of changes, we must unite as one to face the coming war. If it is not discussed through the political hall, many things will be difficult to deal with."
Zhao Xu thought for a while, nodded and said, "That makes sense!"
After a pause, he added: "That's right! Everyone knows that the Liao Kingdom will not give up. The war will still come. There is not much time left for us. I recently plan to give soldiers a higher status.
, what are your thoughts on this?”
Zhang Fei said: "Actually, our government's treatment of soldiers is not very bad, but they are exploited by generals at all levels, so that soldiers have to help those generals to earn basic living expenses.
And the status of soldiers is too low. When I was reviewing a case in Hezhong Prefecture, I encountered something. When the envoy passed by Hezhong Prefecture, the officials of Hezhong Prefecture actually mobilized some soldiers to sing and dance in front of the team just to show off.
They are like clowns. How can such an army win the war? This is not what His Majesty wants."
Zhao Xu nodded immediately, "This is indeed not what I want to see."
Zhang Fei said: "To solve these problems, I think we must pass legislation to protect the rights and interests of soldiers. We can no longer be as hasty as before. I can help your Majesty draft a bill to protect the rights and interests of soldiers, and then your Majesty will submit it to the Legislative Council for promulgation."
In this way, the soldiers will naturally be grateful to His Majesty and willing to serve His Majesty. If the soldiers suffer any unfair treatment, they can be prosecuted immediately by the public prosecutor and the law. This can also limit the self-respect of those military officers."
Zhao Xu nodded and said: "You can draft this bill as much as possible. It just so happens that the court will reward those soldiers who have made military merits recently."
"yes."
.......
As the Liao Kingdom shifted to the strategic defense stage due to internal affairs, Xixia, which was originally preparing to unite with the Liao Kingdom to prepare a strike, was also forced to shift to the strategic defense stage.
However, the Liao State did not give up on Xixia, and was still increasing its assistance. After the Song Dynasty tore up the Chanyuan Alliance, the Liao State immediately signed an alliance agreement with Xixia. No matter how stupid and unreasonable the Liao leader was, he still had this strategic awareness.
Yes, after all, they have been playing this Three Kingdoms game for decades.
This news also reached the capital as soon as possible.
Chui Gong Hall.
Wen Yanbo said: "Although we currently have an advantage, especially in terms of national strength, because both Xixia and Liao are currently in internal strife, and our national strength is growing day by day, but all of this national strength cannot be converted into military strength.
, it is not enough to compete head-on with both of them at the same time. We have nothing to do with the Liao Kingdom for the time being. We can only do our best to weaken Xixia during this period, and we must not let Xixia relax. "
Zhao Xu nodded.
Wang Anshi also said: "What Duke Wen said is very reasonable. I agree with Wang Shao's strategy. According to Wang Shao's letter, Xixia is currently very weak. Both the northern and southern fronts have stopped attacking and are turning their attention to the rear.
Ganzhou area.
Wang Shao believes that we can strengthen our relationship with Tubo through the war between Xixia and the various ethnic groups of Tubo in Ganzhou, and strengthen our offensive and penetration in Ganzhou, Suzhou and other places, so as to contain Xixia and weaken Xixia.
At the same time, Wang Shao also introduced the situation on the border of Xixia. Due to the forced conquest of hundreds of thousands of troops by Xixia before, the country was destitute of people and horses. Many wealthy businessmen and landowners were unable to bear it. If we can ensure their local interests, we can better instigate rebellion.
them."
Zhao Xu asked: "How to ensure it?"
Wang Anshi said: "Their court owns a lot of pastures and fields on the border, but it is within the sphere of influence of some powerful people. If we can issue a policy that means that as long as those powerful people surrender to us, the land and pastures they bring will be their own."
All this will lead to the surrender of more local dignitaries.
Because their grain and horses can no longer be sold at a high price in Xixia, and they may still be requisitioned by the court for free, but once they are merged into our court, the price will usually increase several times."
Zhao Xu nodded and said: "Of course there is no problem. The Zhengshitang will immediately draft a decree. Anyone who surrenders will be given the title deed to the imperial court immediately."
Lu Huiqing suddenly said: "Your Majesty, Chen Shoucheng, a maritime merchant in Dengzhou, recently hopes to purchase firearms from the Ordnance Supervision."
Zhao Xu pretended to be surprised and asked: "Why do they want to buy firearms?"
Lu Huiqing said: "Before the Battle of Waqiaoguan last year, the trading fields on the border had existed in name only. At that time, merchants who traded with the Liao Kingdom all chose to go to Dengzhou to trade with the Liao Kingdom by sea. But now the Liao Kingdom has cut off all ties with us.
All transactions, including maritime trade, are prohibited.
However, this caused the prices of tea and silk in the Liao Kingdom to skyrocket. On the contrary, more Khitan people took the risk and went to sea smuggling. The sea trade with Dengzhou has never been cut off.
At present, their trading location is Peach Blossom Island near the coast of Liao Kingdom, and the maritime merchants in Dengzhou hope to have enough power to control this island."
Wang Anshi said: "I support providing help to maritime merchants. The example of Xixia has told us that in the trade process, we always have the initiative. If the other party prohibits it, if we open it up, it will cause huge trouble to the other party.
If we control this island, the Liao Kingdom will definitely send troops to seize it, but on the island, their war horses will not be able to exert their power. We can use this to weaken the Liao Kingdom, continue to create panic in the country, and monitor and sell weapons.
, you can also make a lot of money.”
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "That makes sense!"
He knew very well that this was what Zhang Fei told Wang Anshi, because according to the system of separation of politics and law, Zhang Fei, as the president of the court, could not sit here to discuss military and state affairs with them under normal circumstances.
The emperor usually summons the emperor alone, which is why Zhao Xu likes this system very much, because it can achieve a balance. The key to this balance is that it does not need to fragment power to ensure that government orders are communicated.
Wen Yanbo was very worried and said: "But firearms are our top secret. If they go to sea, their whereabouts will be unknown. If they fall into the hands of the Liao people and are copied by them, it will be very detrimental to us."
Wang Anshi said: "There is a risk in this regard, but if we can control sea transportation, the Liao Kingdom will not get too many raw materials."
Zhao Xu said: "Let's do this. The imperial court will set up a navy that specializes in using firearms to escort the caravan, and then increase the port tax."
Wen Yanbo immediately said: "Your Majesty, this is not appropriate, the port tax belongs to your Majesty, but when the imperial court establishes a naval division, it is money allocated from the treasury."
This old man reacted really quickly. Zhao Xu saw that his little cleverness was seen through by them, and said: "Okay, okay, I will also pay for the establishment of the naval division."
Zhang Fei has already calculated this account for him. If the tax on Peach Blossom Island is charged to him, it will be a dead profit.
Seeing Long Yan's displeasure, Wen Yanbo calmed down a bit, "Your Majesty, I am not stingy, but the national treasury still owes a lot of debt."
As he said that, he looked at Xue Xiang again, "Third Secretary, now there will be no war in Northern Xinjiang for the time being. I heard that national debts can be traded. Why don't Third Division spend money to buy those national debts back? This can also reduce a lot.
Interest."
Xue Xiang immediately said: "To be honest, Mr. Wen, I have been thinking about this before, but those businessmen are also very smart. Seeing that the war in the north cannot be fought, the price of national debt has also risen a bit. Now that we have bought it back, we still
You have to lose some money.”
Zhao Xu asked: "How many national bonds have been sold now?"
Xue Xiangdao: "All five million strings have been used in Hebei."
Zhao Xu asked again: "What do the Third Division plan to do?"
Xue Xiang thought for a moment before replying: "I think the imperial court should buy back these debts."
Zhao Xu asked: "Why?"
Xue Xiangdao: "Now we are buying back these debts. Firstly, it can enhance the country's credit. Secondly, there is currently a lack of coins on the market. This buyback can increase the circulation of private coins and is conducive to commercial development.
Finally, judging from the current situation, we will eventually have a battle with the Liao Kingdom, and it may not be too late. If we buy it back at this time, it can be used at a critical moment."
Wen Yanbo said: "How much does it cost to buy it back?"
Xue Xiangdao: "I have discussed this matter with the three major Jiekupu shops. They only require payment of one-fifth of the interest, because it is the interest on national debt that enabled them to start a large-scale savings business. But now many people
When the money is taken out, and there happens to be a need for more coins on the market, they are willing to let us buy them back at a low price."
Zhao Xu nodded and said, "Let's do it according to your opinion."
Wang Anshi added: "Your Majesty, the Li Dynasty and Dali in the south are always hidden dangers, especially when we are fighting in the north. And according to reports from spies, there are also many conflicts in their country. Now that the public prosecutor has entered Yongzhou and Shu, we
We should start to layout the south and strengthen trade with them first, which can also promote the development of our country's commerce. At the same time, we can take the opportunity to penetrate their country and create chaos in their country. If the time is right, these two territories will be included in our territory."
Zhao Xu nodded thoughtfully and said: "What you said makes sense. Although they are nothing to worry about, we are afraid that they will take advantage of the situation and rob us. We should guard against them. It is best to be able to get away with it once and for all."
After that, he thought for a while and said: "In this way, I will appoint special envoys from both sides to negotiate with them when I arrive. In addition, I will send some officials from Xihe there. They will know what to do."
...
Since we want to move toward an empire, we must open up the pattern. We cannot pay attention to order, or we should only limit our sights to the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun and the Hetao in the northwest. That is too narrow. Instead, we must increase the influence of the Song Dynasty in all places.
Use force to eliminate current enemies and contain possible hidden dangers.
This was unimaginable before, because the Song Dynasty did not have this strength, but in Xihe, Xixia succeeded, opening the door to the empire for the Song Dynasty.
This kind of highly mixed political, economic, military, and ideological warfare allowed the Song Dynasty to create chaos for the enemy while gaining something.
This group of geniuses in the Song Dynasty gradually became perfect with practice and knew how to play this game.
In fact, when they really get through the game, they don't need Zhang Fei to make suggestions at all, because whether it is politics or military, Zhang Fei is like a weakling. All along, he has only made suggestions and given a general direction, and actually implemented it.
, or Wang Anshi, Wen Yanbo, Sima Guang and the others.
But at the judicial level, Zhang Fei can still maintain his advantage. After all, many of their ideological concepts are difficult to change, and it is difficult to keep up with Zhang Fei's pace.
Zhang Fei also gradually separated from the administration and focused more on the judicial level.
Recently, he helped Zhao Xu draft the "Bill on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Soldiers." After Zhao Xu read it, he felt that there was nothing wrong with it, so he submitted it to the Legislative Council for legislation.
...
Legislative Council.
"What do you think, Kanfu?"
Fu Bi asked Wen Yanbo.
Wen Yanbo said: "Nowadays, the status of soldiers should indeed be improved, but this bill must have been written by Zhang Fei."
Fu Bi smiled and nodded, "Since he came to Hezhong Prefecture as the president of the court, he has drafted many laws regarding military personnel."
Wen Yanbo said: "If the soldiers all believe that the Public Security Bureau and the Procuratorate are the basis for protecting their rights and interests, then the Public Procuratorate and Procuratorate will be more stable. But what is disgusting about this kid is that he has always used the civil-military dispute to win the favor of generals and soldiers."
Fu Bi smiled and nodded: "It seems so, but this guy is smarter than us. In this bill, it seems to increase the status of soldiers, but in fact it enhances the country and society's protection for soldiers. In this way,
, it will be difficult for military generals to win over soldiers, because these guarantees cannot be provided by military generals."
Wen Yanbo nodded.
The war is just around the corner, and the status of soldiers must be improved. This is not worthy of discussion.
Soon, the Legislative Council promulgated the "Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Soldiers" in accordance with Zhao Xu's order.
Regarding soldiers' pensions and bonuses, legislation has been enacted before, but they are only basic rights and interests. It is normal to receive full military pay and has nothing to do with status.
This "Law on the Protection of Rights and Interests of Soldiers" is mainly to improve the status of military personnel.
For example, when soldiers, including their relatives, go to see a doctor, even if they have no money, industrial hospitals and ordinary pharmacies must first see a doctor and prescribe medicine, and they cannot refuse. The country is responsible for this.
Disability and disease caused by war are borne by the state at no cost. The state is also responsible for the funeral expenses of soldiers, including the cemetery.
In addition, soldiers have the authority to borrow money without collateral for thirty guan. That is, when a soldier goes to Jiekupu to borrow money, even if there is no mortgage, Jiekupu has to borrow money, and the country will pay for it.
Of course, interest will be calculated on this kind of borrowing, and the borrowed money still has to be repaid. Only if you really can't afford it, the court will help you repay it, but under normal circumstances, it is impossible to repay it.
There is also education. Sons of soldiers are exempted from 30% of tuition fees, and the academy cannot refuse.
In addition, even when the government and public institutions recruit for certain specific positions, as long as veterans apply, they must be given priority. Even your son cannot be put in front of the soldiers.
You know, this is legislation and a mandatory requirement, which means that if your son really cuts in front of a soldier, he will be prosecuted.
All in all, in a nutshell, it reflects a priority, and the purpose is very simple, which is to elevate the status of soldiers.
After the promulgation of this law, the official bookstore immediately published an article praising the emperor's importance to soldiers, and even hinted that the status given to soldiers by the current emperor exceeds that of all previous emperors combined, including Taizu Taizong.
As soon as the other newspapers and periodicals saw it, they immediately followed and started blowing the news.
Sing praises to the emperor.
At the same time, those Dengzhou maritime merchants took the land deed to Taohua Island they had drawn up and submitted a complaint to the court, explaining the importance of the island to the country, demanding that the island be included in the territory of the Song Dynasty and provided with guarantees.
In fact, this island does indeed belong to the Liao Kingdom. It is recorded in the documents of the Liao Kingdom. Because it is so close to the Liao Kingdom, a wooden board can cross it, but now it is indeed controlled by Liao smugglers and Song Dynasty merchants.
Because now Yelu Hongji was looking for trouble for them everywhere, and being caught would be a dead end. They all fled to Peach Blossom Island, and obtained cooperation with Song merchants, and dedicated the island to the Song Dynasty.
Based on the current relationship with the Liao Kingdom, the Song Dynasty would naturally not refuse and directly accept it.
To this end, the Zhengshitang also promulgated a "Peach Blossom Island Act" to formally incorporate Peach Blossom Island into the legal territory of the Song Dynasty, and will also appoint officials to Peach Blossom Island, which includes the Overseas Territory Law. Simply put, it is to provide help to businessmen
The power of a state to expand its territory.
.....
Xiongzhou.
In the school grounds, thousands of soldiers were seen, heads held high, looking excitedly at the stage.
But in addition to Liu Changzuo on the stage, there was also Lan Yuanzhen, a middle-class nobleman who had just arrived in Xiongzhou. He was specially ordered to come here to represent the emperor and award bounties to the soldiers who had made meritorious service in the Battle of Waqiao Pass.
It has been a long time since the soldiers of the Song Dynasty felt rewarded so quickly and with such a grand ceremony.
But when he saw a tall and burly man coming up to the stage, Lan Yuanzhen first hung a bronze medal around his neck.
"what is this?"
The soldier touched the medal and asked excitedly and curiously.
Lan Yuanzhen said with a smile: "This is a military medal. It was designed by the emperor specifically for soldiers who have performed meritorious service. When you return to the local government office, you can sew this medal on your police uniform."
The soldier was very happy. He kept playing with the bronze medal around his neck and said with a smile: "This military medal is really exquisite."
Lan Yuanzhen just laughed.
At this time, Liu Changzuo came over again and handed the soldier silk and copper coins.
The soldier asked excitedly: "General, I heard that my medical treatment will cost a lot in the future?"
Liu Changzuo said: "Injuries sustained on the battlefield are free of charge, but other illnesses still have to be paid. However, you have to pay first. Whether it is a hospital or a drug store, they must first treat you or your wife and children."
medicine."
The soldier added: "I heard that our family doesn't have to worry about funeral expenses and cemetery."
Liu Changzuo said speechlessly: "Can you say something auspicious on this special day?"
"Yes Yes Yes."
The soldier asked again: "But general, can this be converted into tax coins? We don't know where to put such money?"
Lan Yuanzhen chuckled and said: "At that time, you can deposit it at Jiekupu, ask for tax coins, or send it home. It's all fine."
There is no sense of ceremony in issuing tax coins, and it is difficult to inspire everyone.
The soldier understood and immediately turned around, holding copper coins in one hand and silk in the other.
There were boos.
"Hurry down, we are still waiting."
The soldier immediately put down his hands in depression and walked away angrily.
Liu Changzuo had a headache.
...
The imperial court cannot favor one over the other, and the Northwest Army is also giving rewards.
However, the atmosphere here is much more serious than that in Hebei. After all, Hebei only fought one war, and they fought for two or three years.
The eunuch Li Yan was responsible for collecting medals on behalf of the emperor, while Wang Shao, Zhong E and other commanders gave him money. Finally, Cao Ping gave him a tailor-made police uniform.
Taking advantage of this reward, the Northwest Army will also undergo a major rotation.
Because Xixia cannot be conquered at present, and there is no need for so many soldiers on the front line.
However, the previous rotation was different. The soldiers who retired only served as royal policemen in the rear, especially in Shu, and the replacements were also royal policemen.
In addition, 3,000 of the retired soldiers will enter Shu and build public security and law enforcement there.
Moreover, in order to improve the status of soldiers and royal police, all military uniforms and police uniforms will be replaced once, and will be specially designed for them by the most skillful tailors in the world.
Of course, this is also a kind of military training. After all, those who have been on the battlefield are different from those who have not been on the battlefield. It also prepares for future wars.