When Zhao Zhen said this, Kou Ji had to admit it. He bowed and said with a smile: "On the day when the official inspected Mengxue, after the court was dismissed, Zhu Neng blocked the minister and insisted on helping him get out.
idea.
I couldn't resist him, so I started to give him a few words of advice."
Zhao Zhen smiled and nodded.
Lu Yijian and the other three looked as if this was indeed the case.
Lu Yijian stroked his beard and said: "Dali is located in a remote area, and its folk customs are very different from those of the Song Dynasty. If we rashly bring Dali under the rule of the Song Dynasty and use the methods of the Song Dynasty to govern Dali, the people of Dali will definitely resist.
If we leave them alone after capturing Dali, they will harass our Song Dynasty from time to time.
Therefore, this war against Dali is not the key.
The key is how to deal with Dali after it is conquered.
Both Zhong Shiheng's and Li Zhaoliang's methods have flaws.
You can suggest Zhu Neng's method, which is a good one.
Let Dali people govern Dali, and we control everything behind the scenes.
When there is merit, we will take it.
There was a time when Dali people were responsible for it.
All the hatred and contradictions are within the Dali people themselves.
When necessary, we can show some kindness to ease the conflicts in Dali.
When everyone in Dali is eager to attach themselves to the Song Dynasty, we can formally incorporate Dali into the territory of the Song Dynasty without any effort.
The beauty of this move is that we took all the money from Dali without having to bear the stigma."
At this point, Lu Yijian cupped his hands to Zhao Zhen and said: "I agree with the strategy mentioned in Zhu Neng's memorial."
Wang Zeng and Zhang Zhibai followed closely and said, "I also agree with this matter."
The reason why the three Lu Yijians admired Zhu Neng's memorial so much was because the strategies in Zhu Neng's memorial echoed their thoughts very much.
Li Zhaoliang's strategy of grabbing one vote and leaving is a bit like a bandit strategy.
It's usable, but it can't be maintained for a long time.
If too many people rob this place, the people in Dali will remember the Song Dynasty, and the conflict between the Song Dynasty and Dali will be completely difficult to alleviate.
If Dali was united and fought with the Song Dynasty, it would also be a huge trouble for the Song Dynasty.
Although the Song Dynasty had enough strength to beat Dali.
But if everyone in Dali is united and not afraid of death, the Song Dynasty will have to pay a heavy price to completely destroy Dali.
The strategy proposed by Zhong Shiheng was the imperial court's consistent approach to newly conquered lands.
But this method also has certain drawbacks.
That is, when Song laws are used to govern newly conquered areas, there will be many conflicts between the two sides. The local people will be very resistant to the officials sent by the Song Dynasty, and it will be difficult for some of the imperial decrees to be implemented.
More importantly, if the people are treated even slightly unfairly, it will be magnified infinitely, and then rebellion and resistance will occur.
Nowadays, when the imperial court governs Xingqing Mansion, it encounters corresponding problems.
The original local people were very resistant to the management of the officials of the Song Dynasty. Whenever they were treated unfairly, they would get together to make trouble.
Some of the Song people who were the first to defect also made trouble with the local aboriginal people.
When the Song Dynasty was governing the Xingqing Mansion, the government regulations used were very loose.
Compared with Xixia's decrees such as the Immortal Horse that squeezed the people, it is more than a bit better.
However, the local people were still dissatisfied.
The imperial court accordingly made some concessions, but it was not recognized by the original local people.
The original local people continued to cause trouble.
After the report was reported to Bianjing City, Zhao Zhen, Kou Ji, Lu Yijian and others discussed it for a long time.
In the end, it was decided after discussion that the unruly people in Xingqing Mansion and other places were moved to the places where the two forbidden armies were stationed, and the harsh government orders previously implemented by Xixia were restored to control them.
For a period of ten years.
Those who perform well within ten years and are willing to sincerely become citizens of the Song Dynasty will be moved to the place where Song people live after passing various assessments.
Those who behave badly will be sent to the edge of two deserts to eat sand.
Under this method of control, it won't take many years.
No one in Xingqing Mansion and other places dared to resist the imperial court.
But this method takes a long time.
It takes decades of work.
Some local troops and horses will not be able to move for decades.
It's because I encountered some troubles when digesting Xixia.
So when facing Dali, Lu Yijian and the others naturally took into account the troubles they encountered in Xixia.
If Kou Ji hadn't proposed the method of using Dali people to govern Dali people, they would probably have had to bite the bullet and choose the original method.
But now with Kou Ji's method of using Dali people to govern Dali people, they no longer need to look for trouble.
After Zhao Zhen saw Lu Yijian and three others expressing their approval of the matter, he smiled and said: "Do the three beloved ministers agree with Zhu Neng as handsome?"
Lu Yijian said seriously: "I just agree with Zhu Neng's strategy, but I feel that Zhu Neng is not suitable to go to Dali."
Zhao Zhen was stunned for a moment and said thoughtfully: "Does Lu Aiqing think Zhu Neng can't defeat Dali?"
Lu Yijian said frankly: "Zhu Neng is also a veteran general on the battlefield. If he attacks Dali, there should be no surprises. But in governing Dali and how to use troops appropriately, Zhu Neng still lacks."
The way Kou Ji told Zhu Neng was a bit like cutting flesh with a blunt knife.
It requires an excellent grasp of proportion.
We need to force Dali to spend more money, but we can’t force Dali to jump over the wall in a desperate situation.
The calculations involved are very deep.
Zhu Neng may not be able to calculate accurately.
Zhao Zhen heard Lu Yijian's words and pondered without speaking.
At this time, Wang Zeng held up his hands and said: "I think that Zhong Shiheng can take on this important task. Zhong Shiheng previously governed Qingjian City, and his achievements were obvious to both the government and the public.
He is good at conquering and fighting, and he is also able to govern the place.
Whether in military affairs or civil matters, he can grasp the right measures very well.
He is the perfect candidate to conquer Dali."
Zhao Zhen sighed: "I said before that whoever gives the best strategy will be used. Now that Zhu Neng has given the best strategy and I don't use him, I will break my trust in him."
Lu Yijian said calmly: "Guan Jia, the strategy mentioned in Zhu Neng's memorial was not thought up by himself, but with the help of Kou Ji. After careful calculation, this should be Kou Ji's strategy
, not him.
Therefore, if the government does not use him, it is not considered a breach of trust."
Zhao Zhen sighed and said: "After all, it was him who handed over the memorial..."
"Then let the two of them go together."
Kou Ji suddenly spoke.
Zhao Zhen, Lu Yijian, Wang Zeng, and Zhang Zhibai were all stunned.
After being stunned, Lu Yijian curled his lips and said: "It's just a small Dali. Will sending two important ministers there be a bit of a mobilization of troops?"
Zhao Zhen nodded slowly and looked at Kou Ji.
Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng are now ministers of the central committee.
If in the past, the imperial court sent two central ministers to foreign campaigns, no one would say anything.
But now, the Song Dynasty has risen and become the legitimate overlord on earth.
Send two central ministers to deal with a small Dali.
It's really a bit of a stir.
Kou Ji said with a smile: "Prime Minister Lu only focused on Dali, but forgot about Jiaozhi. There is also war in Jiaozhi now. If we are not careful, the war will burn to our Song Dynasty. Although Chen Yaozi is in charge of Jiaozhi border, but Chen Yao
Zi has not experienced any major battles so far. If there is any major change in the war in Jiaozhi, he may not be able to cope with it.
Dali is adjacent to Jiaozhi.
By sending Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng to Dali together, they could conquer Dali and prevent accidents in the war in Jiaozhi.
If something big happens in Jiaozhi, Zhu Neng can rush over in time to help."
Lu Yijian and the other three looked hesitant when they heard this.
Kou Ji continued to laugh and said: "If Dali is really defeated, it will be the result of the destruction of the country."
Lu Yijian and the others were stunned for a moment, then spoke without hesitation.
"It's really appropriate for the two of them to go together."
When Kou Ji heard this, he smiled and said nothing more.
The reason why Lu Yijian and the others so happily agreed with Zhu Neng and Zhong Shiheng to go together was because of what Kou Ji said was "the merit of destroying the country."
It would be too dazzling for one person to bear the responsibility of destroying a country, so it is appropriate for two people to share it.
More importantly, after Kou Ji became the number one military official, the military official's status in the court has been significantly improved.
If another military minister with great merit and high status appears, then the military minister's status in the court will rise one level.
Now the military ministers have the strength to fight against the civil servants in separate chambers.
If another military minister with great merit and high status appears, the military minister will have the strength to overpower the civil servants.
Lu Yijian and the other three absolutely do not want to see something like this happen.
It was precisely because Kou Ji knew what they were thinking that he chose the words they could not refuse.
After Zhao Zhen heard what Lu Yijian and the others said, he did not rush to express his position. Instead, he said to Kou Ji: "Fourth brother really thinks it is appropriate for Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng to go together?"
Kou Ji smiled and nodded.
Zhao Zhen pondered: "Then who is the master and who is the slave?"
Kou Ji cupped his hands and said, "Everything is decided by the officials."
Zhao Zhen thought for a while and said: "Then Zhong Shiheng will be the main one, and Zhu Neng will be the second. I will add Zhu Neng to the position of recruiting envoy, so that he will not be overwhelmed by Zhong Shiheng."
When Lu Yijian heard this, he hurriedly asked: "Is there any conflict in terms of authority?"
Before Zhao Zhen could speak, Wang Zeng took the lead and said: "One is external and the other internal, there is no conflict. Besides, if a conflict really occurs, Zhu Neng can't argue with Zhong Shiheng.
The official gave Zhu Neng the status of a recruiter, just to prevent Zhu Neng from being bullied too badly."
As soon as these words came out, everyone in Chui Gong Hall looked dumbfounded.
"Then it's settled, find a lucky day and let them set off!"
Zhao Zhen made the final decision.
Kou Ji and others agreed in unison.
Later, Zhao Zhen ordered the Shushe people to draft an edict and ordered Chen Lin to send the decree to Zhongfu and Zhufu.
In this expedition to Dali, the imperial court prepared to dispatch 100,000 forbidden troops to the battle.
Local soldiers and horses from Sichuan Mansion and other places cooperated with the 100,000 forbidden troops to fight.
The first to be sent to Jiaozhi was the Tianwu Army.
If the Tianwu Army fights smoothly, the imperial court will not send a second Forbidden Army.
If the Tianwu Army does not fight well, then the Yongxing Army will follow suit and join the battlefield.
It's not that the imperial court was stingy and was unwilling to send out the two imperial armies together in order to save troops.
Rather, Zhong Shiheng, Zhu Neng, and Li Zhaoliang jointly agreed in the memorial that in the war against Dali, a forbidden army should be used first, and if it was not enough, additional troops should be used.
In their view, the strength of the Song Dynasty's imperial army had been significantly improved after reorganization.
The current 50,000 Forbidden Army soldiers and horses are probably stronger than the previous 100,000 or even more Forbidden Army soldiers and horses.
Coupled with the command of these veteran generals who have experienced battles in the battlefield, the combat effectiveness that they unleashed will definitely be much more powerful than before.
More importantly, they all mentioned firearms in their memorials.
They all want to take firearms with them when they go out to fight.
Firearms are being forged now, and it will take some time to fully equip them.
It also takes a process for soldiers and horses to become familiar with firearms.
Even if the Privy Council provided them with firearms, it would not be able to provide them with too many.
It is necessary to wait until the soldiers and horses are familiar with firearms and can fight with firearms before they can be fully equipped with firearms.
Otherwise, if the firearms are equipped in one go, the soldiers and horses will not be familiar with using firearms in combat, and they will not even know how to use firearms reasonably.
That firearm is not a weapon for them to use in battle, but a life-threatening talisman.
Kou Ji discussed this with Zhao Zhen and finally decided to equip the Tianwu Army with 10,000 firearms.
At the same time, a thousand people were transferred from the firearms camp and filled into basic officer positions in the Tianwu Army, teaching and commanding soldiers and horses to use firearms.
Dali will be their proving ground.
After some details were agreed upon, the government and the opposition quickly entered a state of preparation.
It took nine days of preparation.
After everything is ready.
Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng, leading 51,000 soldiers and horses, quietly left Bianjing City.
When sending troops, Zhao Zhen followed Kou Ji's advice and did not mobilize troops to spread the word.
Kou Ji believes that spreading propaganda before the war can easily cause panic among the people, and can also be easily used by people with ulterior motives.
It would be better to send troops quietly.
When the great victory comes to Beijing, it will be announced to the people.
The people only need to know that the imperial court has won the war. There is no need to let the people know anything else.
Because when the people know that the imperial court has won the battle, they will feel proud and will cheer and celebrate.
Knowing that the imperial court has lost the battle will only cause panic.
Knowing that the imperial court is brazenly sending troops will only cause deep worry.
Whether it is panic or worry, it will not benefit the court or the people, so avoid it if you can.
When Zhu Neng and Zhong Shiheng were leaving Beijing, Kou Ji went to see them off.
Kou Ji originally thought that Zhu Neng would be dissatisfied because Zhong Shiheng took his position as coach.
But after meeting Zhu Neng, Kou Jicai discovered that not only was Zhu Neng not dissatisfied, but he actually had a bright smile on his face.
Outside Bianjing City.
Inside the Shili Pavilion.
Kou Ji looked at the smiling Zhu Neng and said suspiciously, "You're not angry because someone robbed you of your position as coach?"
Zhu Neng smiled and said: "There is nothing to be angry about. My goal is to go to Dali. I don't care whether I am the coach or not. Besides, I am not good at things like governing the local area.
The officials sent me to work with Zhong Shiheng. I fought in battles and Zhong Shiheng governed the place. We complemented each other.
So I have nothing to be angry about."
Kou Ji looked stunned.
Zhu Neng said with a smile: "Before I competed with Zhong Shiheng for the position of coach, I was mainly worried that the court would only send one of us out. Now that they are willing to let both of us out together, then we have nothing to fight for.
"
Speaking of which.
Zhu Neng looked at Zhong Shiheng and said with a smile: "We are all members of our own family. If we really conquer Dali, you won't underpay me for my contribution, right?"
Zhong Shiheng curled his lips and said: "Whoever's contribution is missing cannot be missing from yours."
When Zhu Neng heard this, his smile became even brighter.
Zhong Shiheng then laughed and said: "The one who feels the most uncomfortable right now should be Li Zhaoliang."
Kou Ji couldn't laugh or cry and said: "Li Zhaoliang feels that the officials have objections to him, and he has been writing a letter to argue with the officials these days."
Zhu Neng and Zhong Shiheng smiled and said: "Will the officials argue with him?"
Kou Ji said frankly: "The three generations of the Li family are loyal, so the officials should give him some face. Besides, Li Zhaoliang is not a fool. He knows that offending the officials will not lead to any good consequences, so he can only complain a few times, and he will not really do it.
Break up with the officials."
"What was the reaction of the officials after they received Li Zhaoliang's memorial?"
Zhong Shiheng asked curiously.
Kou Ji smiled and said: "The official family is very pleased..."
Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng looked stunned.
Kou Ji explained: "In the past, when officials wanted to send someone to go out to fight, they had to look down on them. Now, whenever there is a war, officials don't need to ask for help, someone will take the initiative to ask for a fight, and even ask for a fight.
When things go wrong for him, he naturally feels relieved.
More importantly, every time there was a war in the Song Dynasty, there was a fear of war from top to bottom.
Nowadays, not only do all the people in the Song Dynasty show no fear of war, but they complain because they cannot go to war.
It can be seen that all the military officials in the Song Dynasty are capable of fighting, dare to fight, and are not afraid of fighting.
How could the officials not feel gratified?"
Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng nodded in unison, agreeing with Kou Ji's statement.
Atmosphere is something that is easy to see.
In the past, the imperial court had a really bad atmosphere when it came to war.
It is obviously a huge country, but when it comes to war, it is worse than some small countries.
It's different now.
When the imperial court dealt with war, it had the magnanimity of a great nation.
Big countries are supposed to bully others.
How can we call it a great country if we are bullied by others?
A big country should be feared by others.
If it is not feared by others, what kind of country is it?
After Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng nodded, Kou Ji said to them: "I am here to see you off this time, and there is one more thing I want to tell you."
Hearing this, Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng looked serious and waited quietly for Kou Ji's instructions.
Kou Ji said in a deep voice: "The official family will send some coin minting craftsmen to Sichuan and build a coin workshop at the junction of Sichuan and Dali. The money you seized in Dali will be recast.
Flowed into the Song Dynasty.
The gold, silver and copper mines you dug with the Dali people will also flow into the Song Dynasty after they are minted into money.
On the surface, you only need to send some of the seized useful gold and silverware, as well as some wood, jade, jewelry and other items to the court."
Zhong Shiheng and Zhu Neng frowned together.
What is the war picture about?
It depicts land, money, and reputation.
The earth cannot be taken away.
But money and fame are movable, and they complement each other.
After you win the battle, take the enemy's money and heads and send them to Bianjing City. When the people see it, they will definitely praise you.
But now if they are not allowed to send the money back, how can they become famous?
If we don't let them send the money back in a big way, how can we show their merit and hard work?
Kou Ji could tell what they were thinking through their reactions.
He continued: "Don't worry, it's your contribution and reward, and it won't be less. The reason why Dali's money was secretly flowed into our Song Dynasty was mainly to avoid some financial problems."
Zhong Shiheng was thoughtful after hearing this, while Zhu Neng had a puzzled look on his face.
Kou Ji pondered for a moment and said: "For example, when money is scarce, it is very valuable. One penny can buy one penny of things. But if there is too much, money becomes worthless.
If money is worthless, the intensity of buying things will be greatly reduced.
In the past, you could buy a steamed bun for one penny, but once the money becomes worthless, it will probably cost you three to five penny to buy a steamed bun."
Zhu Neng understood a little bit and lowered his head in deep thought.
Zhong Shiheng said slowly: "This matter does not seem to have any impact on us..."
Kou Ji said in a deep voice: "But it will have a big impact on the people. The people are already poor and their lives are already difficult. Once prices soar, their lives will become even more difficult.
Once the people can no longer live their lives, they will rebel."
Zhong Shiheng nodded slowly, "That's true..."
Speaking of this, Zhong Shiheng muttered: "The imperial court should think of a way to make the people rich. Otherwise there will be big problems. Now you can hide the foreign wealth flowing in, but once you can't hide it,
At that time, big conflicts and contradictions will break out.”
Kou Ji sighed and said, "It's a bit difficult to make people rich."
It is impossible for the court to directly distribute money to the people. If it did, the money would become even less valuable.
Therefore, the court could only guide the people to find ways to get rich.
The problem is that 99% of the people make a living by farming.
And 99% of the land is in the hands of wealthy families.
The imperial court tried to find ways to increase the income from farming, but in the end it was the big households that benefited, not the common people.
Only by allowing people to truly own land and increasing the income from farming can people become rich.
If you want to seize land from wealthy families, you must implement corresponding policies.
The problem is that the people responsible for implementing the executive order are themselves wealthy and powerful.
It is impossible for a wealthy family to show great kindness and actively give up their own interests.
So a big fight is inevitable.
If you want to win in this big battle, you must firmly hold all the power of speech in your hands.
If you want to seize all the right to speak, you must innovate the cultural system.
Therefore, cultural reform is imperative.
It’s just that cultural reform is a long-term process and cannot be accomplished overnight.
Zhao Zhen and Kou Ji are already making arrangements for the reform of the cultural system, but they will never act rashly until they are ready.