One month after he ascended the throne, he summoned Prime Minister Lu Zhongtian and Privy Councilor Yang Jun and told them that he wanted to abolish the Yanyun Alliance and no longer wanted to let the small country in the north call him brothers and get something for nothing.
Yang Jun's reaction surprised Guo Chong.
The two ministers he relied on most not only did not support his ideas, but also found them unacceptable and incomprehensible. Lu Zhongtian talked about the benefits of the Yanyun Alliance and the principles of honest exchanges between countries.
Guidelines, and emphasized the importance of national stability. He kept talking for a long time. In fact, he just wanted to say one thing: The emperor's idea is absurd and must not be done.
Yang Jun did not beat around the bush. He only told Guo Chong that it was okay to abolish the Yanyun Alliance contract, but the prerequisite was to be prepared for war. The Liao people would not give up, and the two countries would definitely go to war. Is Zhou ready?
To start a war?
Yang Jun said that although the Zhou Dynasty had more than one million soldiers and horses, the Liao Kingdom also had a lot of soldiers and horses. In particular, the Liao people's cavalry numbered 350,000. They were strong and good at fighting and should not be underestimated. This should not be underestimated.
When a war begins, regardless of success or failure, the consumption of materials, food, grass, weapons and horses that need to be prepared will be a huge number. Yang Jun said that he can be loyal with his head raised and defeat his opponent at the risk of his life, but the premise is that the emperor
Prepare yourself with everything you need to fight the battle.
Does the Great Zhou Dynasty have enough materials and money to face this war? Lu Zhongtian gave the answer. No! The Great Zhou Dynasty has insufficient grain and silver reserves. If a war breaks out, it will not last for a few months.
Lu Zhongtian also warned Guo Chong that the outcome of the war between the two countries was unpredictable. Did the emperor really want to risk the destruction of the country and turn against the Liao people? If something went wrong and the country and the country left by the ancestors were not preserved, who would be at fault?
Guo Chong was very angry at first. He thought that this was the disloyalty of the two important ministers to him as the new emperor. However, when he carefully investigated his family background, Guo Chong's enthusiasm suddenly turned cold. It turned out that he took over
The Great Zhou Kingdom is not as powerful as he imagined. Under its powerful appearance, it is actually very weak. The treasury is empty, so why should we fight a war? It turns out that Lu Zhongtian’s words are pertinent, and Yang Jun’s words are also pertinent. It turns out that if there is a war, the Great Zhou Kingdom will not
There is no guarantee of victory, but there is a risk of defeat. And once defeated, the consequences will be unimaginable. Are you really willing to take risks at all costs for your dream of becoming an emperor for eternity?
He also suddenly understood Huizong's idea that he would be eager to negotiate peace and make an alliance. No one can bear the consequences of defeat, and no one dares to risk the country. Unless you have the strength to absolutely crush your opponent and have the ability to defeat your opponent.
Be sure. Otherwise any kind of risk is not worth it.
This is not the way to conquer the country when the Great Zhou Dynasty was founded. When you have nothing, you are not afraid of losing, because there is nothing to lose. But once you have the world, it would be foolish to take risks. If you lose, you lose everything, and winning is just the icing on the cake.
Guo Chong suddenly understood this truth at this moment.
Moreover, after that, the several operations Guo Chong ordered to annihilate the bandits in the territory also completely made Guo Chong feel cold. Several times to suppress the bandits, a large number of manpower and troops were mobilized. As a result, in addition to annihilating some small villages, several
None of the major troubles in his heart could be eradicated. The pirate bandits in East Zhejiang, the bandits in Hongze Lake, and the mountain bandits in Funiu Mountain, these three bandits were defeated and returned. In addition to being furious, Guo Chong also felt extremely sad. It turned out that the soldiers of the Great Zhou Dynasty
The fighting power of the horses is so weak that they can't even defeat these bandits. If they still think about fighting the Liao people, it is simply seeking death.
In just one year after he ascended the throne, Guo Chong quickly transformed from a passionate emperor full of crazy ideas who thought he could do everything, to a person who faced reality. He suddenly realized that he was actually no better than himself.
No matter how outstanding his ancestors were, he was actually just as mediocre as them, worried about gain and loss, hesitant and helpless. Understanding this, Guo Chong sighed deeply and despaired.
As time goes by, Guo Chong has a clearer understanding of the huge country he owns. It has been accumulated for hundreds of years and has various stubborn diseases. Just like a palace with a gorgeous appearance, there are many holes in the pillars, walls and curtains.
Dust accumulated, and the smell of mold and rot was everywhere. Guo Chong's more than 40 years of growth experience did not mature as quickly as he did in just over a year after he ascended the throne. He quickly recognized the reality and understood the country.
the situation faced.
Four years ago, in the winter when his mentor Yan Shiqing passed away, he met Yan Zhengsu, his schoolmate when he was young.
In fact, the two people have not seen each other for more than ten years. He has not seen Yan Zhengsu since he was in high school for the imperial examination. During his time as the prince, Yan Zhengsu worked as an official outside Beijing and served as the magistrate of several counties and local officials.
As a state official, he had found a position for him several times and asked him to return to Beijing as an official, but Yan Zhengsu did not agree. This is also one of the reasons why Guo Chong respects Yan Zhengsu. From the time they were studying together, Guo Chong has always respected Yan Zhengsu.
There is a kind of respect and admiration. Because Yan Zhengshen is a frank and sincere person. He never plays tricks. One is one and two is two. He is a bit too frank and stubborn. Maybe others don't like his straightforward temperament, but Guo Chong is very honest.
I like it. Because Guo Chong has an unprecedented sense of relaxation in front of Yan Zhengsu. He doesn't have to be wary of Yan Zhengsu, because Yan Zhengsu will never have any conspiracy. He also doesn't have to cover up himself deliberately, because in Yan Zhengsu's presence
There is no need at all in front of Su. Because of this, Yan Zhengsu's position in Guo Chong's heart is unparalleled. His profound knowledge often deliberately inspires Guo Chong, and the friendship between the two has never been interrupted. Even if Yan Zhengsu is in
As the magistrate of a small remote border county, Guo Chong also maintained correspondence with Yan Zhengsu.
This time, Yan Zhengsu's father, Yan Shiqing, died of illness, and Guo Chong finally met Yan Zhengsu. At this time, Guo Chong was already the supreme emperor, but in front of Yan Zhengsu, he still had the same state of mind as before, and regarded Yan Zhengsu as his confidant.
object.
That time, he had a long talk with Yan Zhengsheng all night long. From his own loss to the current situation of the Zhou Dynasty, he unreservedly confided to Yan Zhengshen his ambitions and worries about the current situation of the Zhou Dynasty.
He hoped that Yan Zhengsheng could return to the capital to help him and come up with a solution that could revive the Zhou Dynasty, which was falling into the abyss.
Yan Zhengsun did not give any suggestions at that time. He just agreed to serve as the prefect of Hangzhou after the one-year mourning period for Ding You. He promised Guo Chong that he would return to the capital in three years to share the sorrow of the Holy Emperor. He needed three years
Time to think about solutions.
Guo Chong agreed to the agreement. He knew that Yan Zhengsheng was a man and would not agree to anything he was unsure about. Once he agreed, there must be a solution, and once he decided to do it, it would be ten cows.
There's no turning back either.
Guo Chong hid the little flame of hope in his heart in the deepest corner. He was waiting for the return of Yan Zhengsheng. He believed that Yan Zhengsheng would bring him a solution. Is he an emperor mediocre or will his name last forever? The Great Zhou Dynasty
Whether the imperial court can become what he dreams of. Whether he has the confidence to complete the blueprints he envisioned when he was the prince, may all depend on whether Yan Zhengsun can provide himself with a wonderful solution.
Four years later, the situation has actually become worse and worse. The new emperor of Liao came to the throne and asked for an increase in annual coins. Guo Chong originally wanted to abolish the covenant, but how could he agree to the request for an increase in coins, so he severely
Rejection. This directly caused the situation in the northeastern border town to become tense.
In the past, there were constant exchanges of envoys between the Zhou Dynasty and the Liao Kingdom. In recent years, the relationship has become stiff and there is little contact. The conflicts on the border are also increasing day by day. The two sides fought several times in the Luanhe River area north of Youzhou.
In the battle, although the Liao people did not break through the Great Wall defense line, the surrounding army suffered a lot of casualties. All this exposed the fact that the combat effectiveness of the Zhou soldiers and horses was ineffective. Fortunately, the two sides did not completely break the relationship, and Yang Jun also strengthened Yan Yun
The Liao people also suffered several losses in terms of defensive troops and fortifications in the area, so they did not dare to be too presumptuous. However, if this continues, the possibility of a quarrel between the two sides has greatly increased. Many ministers in the DPRK have already petitioned to increase their age.
currency to maintain border security and avoid causing disaster.
The internal situation of the Great Zhou Dynasty is not optimistic either. Although the world is still peaceful, the treasury is in short supply and the financial situation is getting worse. Although taxes have been increased, the negative consequences of heavy taxes are also obvious. There are insufficient sources of income and no place to spend money.
There are too many, and the more they spend, the more extravagant they are, leading to a vicious cycle. The situation has been getting worse day by day. Only the people in charge know the inside story.
Fortunately, Yan Zhengshen has already given the answer.
…
In the setting sun, when Guo Chong was sitting in the golden light in the back garden of Funing Palace, squinting and enjoying the tranquility, under the long corridor on the east side, a eunuch was leading a thin man in purple official clothes.
The man in robe came in a hurry.
"Your Majesty, Master Yan is here." Li Lin, the personal eunuch standing beside Guo Chong, reported softly.
Guo Chong shuddered and woke up from his confused thoughts. He turned around and saw that Yan Zheng was coming in a hurry, so he hurriedly got up and stood up. A smile appeared on his face.
"You're here, I'm waiting for you." Guo Chong said.
Yan Zhengsun quickly stepped forward, lifted up his official robe and knelt down to salute, shouting long live. Guo Chong smiled and helped him up, pointing to the chair beside him and said: "Sit down, you and I have been studying together since we were young, and we are like brothers.
There is no need to make any big gestures."
He said solemnly: "How dare I, sir? What is the purpose of your Majesty in calling me here?"
"Sit down and talk." Guo Chong waved his hand and said.
He solemnly apologized and sat down. Guo Chong looked at him and said, "Is the Chunwei Examination starting today?"
He said solemnly: "Your Majesty, the exam will begin at six o'clock this morning."
Guo Chong nodded and said: "Very good. Selecting talents is my top priority in the Great Zhou Dynasty. This matter must be done well."
Yan Zhengsun nodded and said: "Yes."
Guo Chongdao: "I want to ask, why did you both refuse when I asked you and Fang Dunru to take charge of the Spring Examination? Lu Zhongtian recommended Qian Qianyi and Wu Chunlai, but I still prefer you two."
"Your Majesty, Mr. Qian and Mr. Wu are also suitable. They are both learned men and generals appointed by Prime Minister Lu, so they can't be wrong. The reason why Fang Dunru and I refused was not because we were unwilling to take responsibility, but because we were unwilling to take responsibility.
