Opening the border to Hehuang is part of fighting against foreigners.
According to the original history, Wang Shao's border expansion was successful, and he indeed opened up thousands of miles of territory for the Song Dynasty.
Later, due to the dispute between the old and new parties, after Sima Guang took charge of the government, he followed the royal way and returned all the treasures to Xixia... This is also what Sima Guang was criticized for.
Now, Zhao Xi is here.
The Song Dynasty under Zhao Xi's rule had fundamentally removed the foundation for sending He Huang out again.
In Zhao Xi's view, Sima Guang was indeed a great talent in studying history, and his academic talent could be regarded as temporary. However, in terms of politics, Sima Guang was too impulsive and emotional, and he was really not a politician.
People like Sima Guang would hold the title of scholar in later generations.
It's just that today's Song Dynasty has its own factors of the times. Zhao Xi did not have the idea of changing the entire national situation with the power of one person, which is unrealistic. That is why the current situation of pure scholars serving as important ministers.
However, Zhao Xi can design a system to avoid the shortcomings of the original history.
For example, after Zhao Xi came to power, the possibility of the struggle between the old and new parties was completely eliminated.
First of all, Zhao Xi did not fully adopt Wang Anshi's new laws. Instead, he borrowed Wang Anshi's name for his reforms and implemented all the new laws in a different way.
He needed Wang Anshi, who claimed to have accumulated thirty years of fame.
Secondly, Zhao Xi did not create an atmosphere of old and new party struggle. Because Zhao Xi made full use of communication methods before implementing the new law, which reduced the opposition voices of courtiers.
Another thing is that Zhao Xi was not willful, did not demote opponents to implement the new law, and did not create a situation where the imperial court passed the law but the local government violated it.
Also, because Zhao Xi adopted a gentle and gradual approach, boiling frogs in warm water, and spent more than ten or twenty years trying to win over the new law, the opposition to the new law was unable to form factions.
This is also the fundamental reason why Wang Shao opened the border faster than the original historical progress and advanced smoothly.
In fact, from the bottom of his heart, Zhao Xi did not pay much attention to the strategic purpose of Hehuang. Instead, he focused on the opening of trade routes in the Western Regions, the promotion of cotton, and the impact of wool spinning on Xixia.
How to put it, according to the original history, Xixia was the last to be destroyed among the three kingdoms of Northern Liao, Xixia, and Song Dynasty, and it also led to the fall of a generation of genius Genghis.
Zhao Xi is not a historian and does not know the real reason. Therefore, Zhao Xi is a little unsure whether to start a war with Bei Liao or Xi Xia in three to five years.
In terms of scale, whether it is the Northern Liao Dynasty or the Song Dynasty, even Dali is larger than the Xixia Dynasty.
But in terms of combat power, Zhao Xi did not attend the Battle of Yanmen in person, so it is impossible to compare Xixia and Northern Liao. From the reflections of Di Qing, Zhong'e, and Guo Kui, they all believed that the combat power of Northern Liao was greater than that of Xixia.
Even Cao Lin and others from the old guard camp also said the same thing.
Think about the territory of Xixia, Northern Liao, Song Dynasty, Uighur, Tubo... The territory of Xixia was surrounded by other countries, which gave Xixia its instinct to be good at fighting.
This may be the reason why Xixia Kingdom Zuo lasted so long.
According to the original history, because of Wang Shao's success in opening a border and the results of Wang Anshi's reforms, the Song Dynasty had a five-pronged expedition to conquer Xia, but it also failed.
With the new army and firearms, Zhao Xi didn't think Xixia could still withstand a five-pronged attack.
It's just that the military strength of the current dynasty is really not enough to destroy the country. Therefore, Wang Shao opened the river and Huang to mainly pacify and suppress as a supplement.
It seems the results are quite good.
Wang Shao's performance lasted the longest among all the ministers who came to the capital, and he was even given a meal by his official rank.
Until noon, Zhao Xi summoned the entire cabinet into the Qinzheng Palace to discuss matters...~
"There are not enough troops!"
Wang Anshi felt very sorry. He was a supporter of Wang Shao's Kaibian Hehuang project and a strong supporter. Now that Wang Shao has achieved such great results, he really feels a bit honored.
The official summoned Wang Shao to report to the court, and they also learned in detail the actual situation of Wang Shao's rebellion, and then came up with the proposal to convene the cabinet for discussion.
When I read the daily report, I see which tribe has been included today and how much wool will be purchased tomorrow. There is no way to know the specific situation in detail.
As for the duel between the officials and Wang Shao, it was only on the sand table that the entire Hehuang area was seen, almost all of which belonged to the imperial court.
"With such a huge territory, so many barbarian tribes, not to mention chaos, the authority of the King of Fear has also reached a certain level!"
Everyone had their own sighs, but even Zhao Xi ignored Sima Guang's sighs... He was really emotional. As long as Wang Anshi supported it, he would always find some reason to refute.
From what Wang Anshi said, it seemed that he intended to increase troops in Hehuang? Sima Guang thought this was absolutely impossible.
"Officials and minor officials never start any quarrels. When purchasing wool, the owner of the workshop city has a different price for the wool of tribes that are affiliated with and those that are not affiliated with. Those leaders will naturally choose to affiliate with the tribe for the sake of their people."
"Secondly, Shiyi Temple is responsible for border trade, grain exports, iron, tea, silk and satin, etc. It also has preferential treatment for the attached tribes."
"This has resulted in an increase in the number of attached tribes in the Hehuang area. I hope the imperial court will investigate clearly!"
Wang Shao said this while bowing.
Wang Shao did not dare to directly refute Sima Guang's statement... He was still not familiar with the structure of the current imperial court and had no respect for the authority of his father-in-law.
The key is that Wang Shao mentioned in his memorial how to use the attached tribal cavalry...
Wang Shao was a border minister, a newly opened border minister. He was a border minister who combined military and political power. He was easily suspected by the court.
Zhao Xi did not speak, and did not even call out to the internal prison. He stood up and helped Wang Shao... He did not allow blood, sweat, and tears to appear in his court.
Unfortunately, Wang Shao still shed tears, but not because of suspicion, but because of the courtesy from the officials.
"I believe in you!"
Zhao Xi is sincere. Not to mention that Wang Shao did not have any inappropriate behavior in Hehuang, Zhao Xi can tolerate even some minor problems.
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen...~Wei Chen...~"
Wang Shao choked up a little.
"Today's discussion is about how the imperial court should plan for the next step after the Hehuang border opening has achieved results. There is no need to talk about other digressions. If you have any objections, please submit the memorial later!"
Zhao Xi was almost criticizing Sima Guang without naming him, and it was also a warning... Don't look for trouble.
"Officials, what Jiefu said is absolutely true! Zichun created a great situation, but because of the lack of soldiers in the court, he was unable to fight against the Western thieves. It is a pity!"
Fu Bi gave full play to his ability to mediate. Seeing that the officials were angry and worried about Sima Junshi's bad temper, he hurriedly reconciled the situation.
To be honest, Sima Junshi did go a bit too far.
Since the first time Wang Shao was impeached, the imperial court has paid attention to Hehuang Kaibian.
The Yushitai specially dispatched officials, and officials were stationed in Sinong Temple, Shiyi Temple, Gongfangcheng, Yantie Division and other imperial yamen. Fu Bi believed that the Imperial City Division would pay special attention to it.
He, Wang Shao, had no basis for the court to be suspicious of him... Sima Jun would not have thought of these things. He was simply competing with Wang Jiefu.
The cabinet members have just agreed that Fu Bi hopes to have a stable cabinet, and there is really no need to provoke the patience of the officials.
Sima Guang didn't continue...
"The Guan family and the Hehuang area have now formed a strategic encirclement situation against the Western bandits. The situation is indeed very good. In another three to five years, after the implementation of the military service law, the number of soldiers in the new army of the country will reach seventy or eighty.
Everything should be possible.”
"By that time, I, the Song Dynasty, will attack Xixia with a million-strong army, and we will definitely be able to capture Fuxingqing Mansion and open up the Western Regions...~"
Han Jiang also quickly followed Fu Bi to calm the atmosphere.
"Zizichun, how do you handle the garrison affairs in such a huge territory?"
However, Han Qi did not follow Fu Bi and Han Jiang's words and asked about He Huang's specific situation.
"Back to Han Xianggong, there are 5,000 new troops. The garrison areas of Xiaguan are limited to a few limited cities and borders, and it is impossible to deploy defenses across the board."
"Those tribes within are basically autonomous. Xihedao has not interfered with their rule and has no power to interfere."
Wang Shao told the truth.
"In other words, the so-called internal attachment is nothing more than a transaction to exploit the interests of the country?"
Han Qi is a little aggressive.
"I can't be sure."
Seeing Wang Shao say this, Han Qi stopped asking.
Zhao Xi can probably understand what Han Qi means. The first point is that Wang Shao's contribution is not that great. The second point is that whether it is Tubo or Xixia, they all suck blood from the dynasty. The so-called internal attachment means that there is
It's just a name.
Zhao Xi would not make such simple inferences.
It is common sense to consider people, from frugality to easy, from frugality to difficulty... ~ Isn't this what Sima Guang said?
Since this is human nature, how can we get away from it, whether we are Tubo or Shatuo people?
Because of wool spinning, people living in bitterly cold places can now cook in iron pots, eat hot rice, and have an endless supply of white rice.
All they did was herd more sheep... They were herders to begin with.
If they were allowed to go back to the hard days when several families shared the same pot, even if the leader called for it, it would no longer be the past.
The so-called kingly way is not the book written by sages and sages from Sima Guang's mouth, but a life that allows the people to have enough food and clothing.
"The official family, Hehuang area, can establish a state. The imperial court should also station garrison at the state level."
"With the change of this situation, Wang Zichun also needs to focus on running the government or running the army. With busy affairs, oversights are inevitable. Moreover, the border is a mixed place, and the consequences of any oversights will be unimaginable."
"From Hehuang, to Qinzhou, and then to Jingzhao Prefecture, most of the new army garrison in the country focuses on the border. Once there is chaos, they will go straight to Bianliang!"
This is……
Wen Yanbo also spoke, but this stance really made Zhao Xi a little confused.
In essence, it seems that they are all based on the interests of the country, but the mutual point of view... this is too ridiculous, aren't they all civil servants?
After thinking about it, Zhao Xi seemed to understand and felt relieved.
Regardless of whether it's showmanship or sincerity, in fact, you are working hard for the country.
"What Mr. Wen Ge said is absolutely true. But how many soldiers are there in Guochao? How long is the border? I heard that the new army of Guochao now has difficulty even guarding the army. How can we station another garrison in Hehuang?"
What Zhang Fangping said is true.
At this level of discussion, Zhao Xi's purpose of anxiously discussing cabinet matters has almost been achieved.
Wang Shao said that he wanted the court to set up another road in Hehuang.
Zhao Xi couldn't bear to dampen the enthusiasm of the heroes, but the imperial court was really unable to send garrison troops. Therefore, he convened a cabinet meeting with the intention of commending Wang Shao for his contribution.
Now, the shortage of troops in the imperial court has been made clear, the problem of distrust of foreigners has also been made clear, even the court's slight suspicion has been made clear, and even the attention that should be paid to Wang Shao has been made clear...
"The officials, whether they are Tubo or Xixia, and the tribes living in the Hehuang area, have already included what they should and wanted to include. At least so far, Wang Zichun has handled it very well and there has been no trouble."
"The country is currently short of soldiers, and Hehuang is basically stable. Why not keep it as it is for the time being?"
"After the Great Council is convened, the Military Service Law will be implemented in the country. In three to five years, the new army available to the country will be 700-800 thousand, if not one million. By then, not to mention the establishment of another army in Hehuang to station garrison troops.
, even if we devote all our strength to defeat Xia, it won’t be a problem.”
"Therefore, the veteran believes that Hehuang only needs to maintain the status quo for now, and we will discuss it after the court implements the new law. The veteran believes that Wang Zichun has the ability to keep the Hehuang area clean for three to five years!"
Chen Shengzhi's explanation of his views completely cornered Wang Shao, and he was unable to express his request to the court.
In fact, those tribes that annexed sincerely wanted to annex in all directions and wanted the imperial court to incorporate the cavalry.
When the Song Dynasty purchased wool and let women and children graze the animals, they could basically have enough food and clothing.
Those warriors who control the strings no longer have to go around robbing for a living.
Wang Shao felt it was a pity to waste all those who could fight. So when he was playing the duel, he took a roundabout way to express his intention to the officials.
How could Zhao Xi not understand?
"Zichun, if the imperial court allows you to take over those barbarian cavalry, can you be the absolute leader? Or do you have to rely on the tribal leaders?"
Wang Shao didn't know how to answer the official's words for a while.
Absolute commander made those foreign cavalry loyal to the Song Dynasty. Wang Shao asked himself that he didn't have the ability.
"It's really hard for a humble minister to do that."
After Wang Shao said these words, it seemed that all the cabinet members breathed a sigh of relief.
Perhaps, if he agreed, Wang Shao and Wang Zichun would never return to Hehuang.
Are these old foxes really looking for trouble with Wang Shao? They just saw something and used this method to remind Wang Shao.
Of course, except Sima Guang.
"Zichun, the imperial court pays the daily expenses of a thousand cavalry..."
"His Majesty……"
"Officials are not allowed to...~"
The cabinet has spoken out...~This is an attempt to trick Wang Shao! This is an attempt to cause chaos in Hehuang!
How much does a thousand cavalry cost? Needless to say, there are not only tens of thousands of foreign cavalry in the Hehuang area, but there must be tens of thousands or eight thousand. Using a thousand cavalry to solve ten times the demand will only lead to chaos.
.
Zhao Xi pressed his hand and continued: "The cost of these thousand cavalry is not to allow you to fix the expenditure of certain tribes, but to choose a city closer to Qinzhou to build a cavalry training camp."
"The cavalry of those tribes will be trained in rotation. Each year, one thousand cavalry can enjoy the salary from the court. They will be replaced every year and will never be monopolized by any tribe."
"The so-called training, to put it bluntly, means spending money to support them. The Song Dynasty is not able to train other people's cavalry. You can let the new military captains teach them, or you can show them new firearms, but you can never teach them."
"In this way, first of all, we can give them hope and ensure stability for three to five years. Secondly, we can properly demonstrate our strength. In addition, we can select some who are truly loyal to the Song Dynasty, grant them official positions in the imperial court, and enjoy the treatment of military generals in the imperial court.