There are many disadvantages in the Song Dynasty army, the most well-known of which is the problem of "redundant soldiers". However, this redundant soldiers mainly refer to the wing soldiers. The main source of the wing soldiers is the people who are affected by disasters. In fact, it is not a real army. The court of the Song Dynasty also knows this, so the wing soldiers are mainly stationed in military farms, and they rarely let the wing soldiers go to the battlefield.

In contrast, the border troops in the northwest and Hebei areas were the main force of the Song Dynasty, but these border troops also had many problems. For example, the imperial court reduced its power over generals too much, resulting in a decline in the power of generals to command soldiers, and even the generals were not aware of their soldiers. In addition, the border troops were exploited layer by layer, resulting in insufficient military supplies, etc.

What Li Zhang wants to talk to Liu E today is also a big problem in the army. This problem is the low quality of middle and low-level generals. This problem is also the conclusion that Li Zhang draws from the words of Cao Wei and other generals in the army.

There are two sources of middle and low-level generals in the army. The first is the generals. These generals can usually enter the army after they are adults by relying on the shade of their ancestors. However, these people have long been corrupted. Most of them usually walk their dogs. Few people practice military skills as diligently as Hu Yan Shouxin and Cao Mata, and some people can't even ride horses. Such people are just experiencing experience when they enter the army. If they really get on the battlefield, they may run away as soon as possible.

In addition to the generals, the remaining middle and low-level generals are those who have been promoted from the bottom. They are generally humble and have been promoted because they have made contributions on the battlefield. These people are not afraid of war and are even very brave. However, they have one big disadvantage, that is, most people have never read books, are not able to read, and cannot even understand the orders issued by the superiors, let alone military tactics.

Of course, among these generals from the bottom, there were also many famous generals, such as Di Qing, who is also a low-level general. He is known as the number one general in the Song Dynasty, but Di Qing is actually not a real low-level general. His family is a rich peasant. He not only studied books, but also practiced martial arts since he was a child. In addition, he was good at summarizing experience on the battlefield, so he gradually grew up into a generation of famous generals. Similar to Di Qing, Yue Fei, who were all people who had studied books and learned military tactics.

It can be said that among the generals from the bottom, Di Qing or Yue Fei is actually a very small probability of appearing, and it can even be ignored. Most people can only survive among low-level generals throughout their lives. Not only do they have no future, but they cannot even complete their own responsibilities. After all, generals can not only lead soldiers to fight, but they still have many other matters to deal with, but because of their limited abilities, these people are simply unable to take on their positions.

Although the commander has a great role, middle and low-level generals are the backbone of the army. If the commander cannot be executed, even if Sun Wu reborn, he will not be able to win a battle with such an army.

After listening to Li Zhang's story, Liu E also showed a solemn expression on her face. After a while, she spoke: "Is the situation in the army really as serious as you said?"

"The situation in the military will only be more serious than what I said. In fact, the problems in the military are ultimately due to people. No matter how strict the military discipline is or how severe the punishment is, if there is a problem with the person who enforces it, everything will only become empty talk!" Li Zhang said again very seriously at the end.

This is not Li Zhang's exaggeration. In fact, the situation in the army is very complicated, and there are so many problems that cannot be explained clearly in just a few words. This also seriously restricts the combat effectiveness of the Song army. In the final analysis, these problems still lie in people, so he picked out this problem and reported it to Liu E.

When Liu E heard this, her expression on her face became even more serious. She pondered for a moment and looked at Li Zhang again and asked, "Since the problem lies in people, how should this problem be solved in your opinion?"

"In fact, it is not difficult to solve this problem. It is to set up a martial arts school for the military personnel in the Imperial College to train generals specifically for the army!" Li Zhang finally explained his purpose.

Martial arts was not invented by Li Zhang. In fact, he copied Fan Zhongyan's ideas in history. Fan Zhongyan once set up martial arts during the "Qingli New Deal", but this martial arts was very problematic in recruiting students. In addition, the status of martial arts is low, so no one is willing to apply for the exam. As a result, it closed after only a few months of establishment.

"Martial Arts? Can this method work?" Liu E said with a skeptical look when she heard Li Zhang's suggestion. She was old and her thoughts were more conservative, so she still had some doubts about new things like martial arts.

"It will definitely be possible. After the establishment of martial arts, all the generals who want to enter the army and select meritorious people from the army must study in martial arts for several years. These people not only need to learn military tactics, but also instill the way of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. After learning, they can better guarantee their loyalty to the army!"

When he said this, Li Zhang paused for a moment and then said: "In addition, after the establishment of martial arts, the selection of middle and low-level generals in the army will be in the hands of the court. Moreover, these generals have been deeply favored by the emperor. Even if there are really people who want to rebel, it is difficult to command them. It can be said that the establishment of martial arts will also benefit the court without any harm!"

When Liu E heard Li Zhang say this, she was also a little moved. She thought about this matter carefully and finally nodded and said, "Okay, let's try it first. It's just a school, and it doesn't cost much. But where should this martial arts be opened and which yamen should be responsible for it?"

Liu E still trusted Li Zhang very much, especially Li Zhang's firearms surveillance and money sales, so she also had some expectations for this martial arts, but martial arts was related to the army and involved a lot. For example, the army of the Song Dynasty was managed by the Three Yas, but it did not have the right to mobilize troops. The Privy Council had the right to mobilize troops, but it did not control the army, so Liu E didn't know where to put this martial arts?

"The Grand Empress must not leave martial arts to any yamen in charge. Just like the Imperial College, they are all useful talents for the country, so they should be independent. Moreover, martial arts are of great importance. It is best to be a veteran who has been in the army for a long time and has great military achievements. This can suppress the generals, and secondly, the Thirdly, the Thirdly, the veteran general is experienced and proficient in military tactics, so he can naturally cultivate more lieutenant generals!" Li Zhang finally spoke again, opening martial arts was his main purpose, and letting Cao Wei return to Beijing to recuperate was his direct purpose.
Chapter completed!