Of course, the northern frontier army under Li Mu could only theoretically get rid of the control of the central court of Zhao State. Even people who didn't know it thought at first glance that Li Mu could raise troops to rebel at any time. In fact, it was impossible. Otherwise, Xiaocheng, mourning
The Second King of Xiang will definitely not tolerate Li Mu.
Everyone in the Zhao Kingdom, and even the whole world, who knows Li Mu’s Northern Border Army knows that the expenses required to maintain this army are huge. It may not be the highest among the Seven Kingdoms, but it is enough to be ranked among the best.
Li Mu could barely survive in the three counties of the North, which were sparsely populated, bitterly cold, and difficult to live in. That's why he smuggled some unimportant supplies and sold them to the wolves in exchange for the supplies he was in short supply. In such a tight situation, Li Mu could only make do with defending the wolves on the border of the North. He really wanted to do something disobedient... I was afraid that even Daijun would not be able to escape - the resource consumption of siege and plundering the land, at least.
Several times better than defense.
Moreover, King Zhao also has to inspect the governance situation of the three counties in the north every year. The whereabouts of tax revenue must be clear, and the appointment and dismissal of officials must be well-founded, and Li Mu must not act recklessly.
These conditions are the basis for the two parties to form such a tacit understanding.
King Zhao can obtain stability on the northern border without having to worry too much, while Li Mu can avoid the troubles of trivial matters in the court and can focus entirely on fighting against the wolves.
But now, Guo Kai wants to break the delicate balance that has continued between the two dynasties. The most important thing is that once Zhao Wangqian is really persuaded, Li Mu can only accept it. He has no right to refuse.
After Guo Kai said these words, neither the officials who supported him nor the officials who supported Li Mu chose to interrupt. There was silence in the court hall, and everyone silently watched the three big bosses at the front. p>
It is about the power of the three counties in the North. It is best for them not to get involved. Their words have no weight anyway, so let the three big bosses discuss it themselves.
As for Li Mu, who was at the center of the storm, even though his lifeline was pinched by Guo Kai, he remained calm and composed. His slightly old but calm face remained unruffled. He bowed and said to Zhao Wangqian:
"Reporting to your Majesty, what Mr. Guo said...may be a bit harsh."
"Haha, General, how can we underestimate this important military matter? You are the military god of the North, and you still use your true self to emphasize this point?" Guo Kai stroking his beard, squinting his eyes and interjecting with a smile. p>
"Since Prime Minister Guo knows that the military affairs are not to be messed with, it's best." Li Mu also responded with a chuckle, "The wolf tribe has always been ferocious and barbaric, and makes a living by robbing nomads. As long as the resources in the tribe are insufficient, they will invade and plunder. Therefore,
War breaks out frequently in the North, and opportunities are often fleeting. If I use troops, I have to inform the capital court in advance, I am afraid it will be... a lot of inconvenience."
"As for the tax revenue of the three counties... Haha, the Northern Army spends a lot of money on military expenses, but the three counties are suffering from the cold and there is no one, and the tax revenue is scarce. I always worry about military pay. If the court is willing to make up for the shortfall, this aspect will not be a problem."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wangqian frowned. Of course he would be happy to see Li Mu's power restricted. It would be better if he could get more tax revenue, but if he can't get any money, he has to pay part of it himself... That will have to be done.
Discussed.
Guo Kai was not in a hurry when he saw Zhao Wangqian's reaction, and replied calmly, "As the general said, the Northern Army's military expenditures have obviously been excessive in recent years, and there are too many unnecessary expenditures. I think this matter should be passed
This problem should be solved by streamlining the military expenditure of the Northern Army, rather than asking the court to fill the gap."
"Whether the military expenditure of the Northern Army can be reduced, Xiang Guo should know very well. The wolf tribe is inherently vicious and warlike. All the people are soldiers, and they are not afraid of death for the sake of survival. If they cannot appease the morale of the army with heavy profits, how can they defend themselves against the enemy?" Li Mu had no idea at all.
Show weakness and explain the indisputable facts in a calm tone.
Zhao Wangqian, who was on the throne, also fell into hesitation. Out of his trust in Guo Kai, Li Mu's disgust, and the desire for his own power that naturally arose after ascending the throne, he wanted to reduce Li Mu's power, but few
His lack of sense, and the way his father and grandfather had treated Li Mu, reminded him that it was not worth destabilizing Northern Xinjiang for these petty profits.
It’s so embarrassing...
"You two gentlemen, please stop arguing. What you said makes sense. This is a serious matter... let me think about it for a moment." After being in trouble for a long time, Zhao Wangqian chose to make peace for the time being.
Regarding this result, Guo Kai and the courtiers who attached themselves to him showed a satisfied smile, while those who supported Li Mu showed a worried look.
As long as Zhao Wangqian does not refuse this matter in court, then with Guo Kai's clever advice, most likely it will be passed.
In this regard, Li Mu still looked as normal, waited for the end of the court meeting without saying a word, and returned home silently.
On the other side, Guo Kai returned to his mansion proudly, surrounded by a large group of people. This matter was not over yet. He took people's money to eliminate disasters. What he received was the money for killing Li Mu.
Rather than helping Zhao Wangqian gain power, the villain loves money, so he has to be particular about how to get it, and he can't get it wrong.
And just when he was complacently thinking about when to start the next step, others had already helped him advance.
Bang!
A sudden loud noise suddenly rang in Guo Kai's ears, making him tremble all over. He hurriedly stuck his head out of the carriage. Before he could ask what was going on, he heard his guards shouting, "There are assassins.
There is an assassin! Protect the Prime Minister, protect the Lord!"
Taking a closer look, I was shocked to find that several horses at the front of his team, and the people on them, were smashed to pieces by a large stone mill half a foot wide (the pre-Qin Dynasty probably didn't have this thing, don't worry).
Blurred, while his guards were fighting a mysterious assassin wearing a cloak and covering his body.
Although this assassin is just one person and alone, his martial arts skills are impressive. Although he is not strong and tall, he can swing a big sword with one hand like a tiger, making it difficult for strangers to approach him, and his other hand can't.
Not idle, with fists or palms, the soldiers were vulnerable to a blow in front of him (or her). If they were touched, they would be killed, and if they were touched, they would be injured. As soon as the two sides fought, the whole country was filled with sorrow.
This scene shocked Guo Kai.
During this period, too many people from the world came to the city, and he was planning to deal with Li Mu, who had a high reputation. He was afraid that someone would be hot-headed and assassinate him, so he increased his protection and almost always brought a large team of people with him to protect him when he went out.
It really came in handy today.
If there hadn't been an increase in manpower, the assassin would have probably killed him in front of him based on the scale of the previous guards.
Of course, it's okay to kill him in front of his face. Guo Kai still cherishes his own life. He knows that he is hated by others, so he has recruited many experts to protect him. They are all guarding him at this time - their duty
They are just protecting Guo Kai. As for the casualties of those soldiers, it has nothing to do with them.