Xue Juzheng frowned and cupped his hands and said: "The idea of ​​the officials and Concubine Huarui to establish a navy can be discussed. Why not leave it to the Privy Council to study whether it is feasible. If it is feasible, build warships on the sea near Dengzhou along the coast and train the navy at the same time.

, Isn’t it two conveniences? It also saves expenses, can concentrate manpower and financial resources to prepare for the use of troops against the north, and can save millions of people from laboring, so as not to waste people and money. It is also a way for the people to recuperate and recuperate. "

Zhao Guangyi looked at Huarui and saw that her expression was sad, and there seemed to be tears in her eyes. He couldn't help but feel pain in his heart, and said loudly: "I made it very clear! The main purpose of building Jinming Pool is to praise Concubine Huarui, and the second is training.

The purpose of the navy. At present, the navy is mainly used for the defense of the rivers north of Bianliang. Once the Northern Expedition fails, the Liao cavalry will move south. If the navy is placed along the coast, how can it be used as a defense? "

"However, the Jinming Pond is very expensive. Once it is excavated, it will consume the military resources accumulated over the years and mobilize millions of civilians. After the war begins, there will be no civilians to transport food, grass and baggage! This Northern Expedition will definitely fail!

"

Zhao Guangyi's face darkened: "Xue Qing! You are the prime minister, not the privy envoy. You can just manage your own one-third of an acre of land. How to use the money will be managed by the third division envoy. As for military aircraft,

Let the Privy Council take care of it, then don’t interfere!”

Xue Juzheng was shocked and turned pale. He lifted up his robe and knelt down: "I know you are guilty."

The biggest political characteristic of the emperors of the Song Dynasty was the decentralization of power. They tried every means to disperse the power of ministers, especially the power of the prime minister and the military. The power of the prime ministers of the Song Dynasty was far from what it was in the Tang Dynasty, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

Comparatively. The prime minister is only responsible for administrative matters, financial power is assigned to the three divisions, and military power is assigned to the Privy Council. Administration, finance and military are independent, and each cannot interfere. Each is responsible to the emperor. To avoid excessive concentration of power in the hands of ministers,

Threat to the imperial power. The emperor's most taboo is for the three to interfere in other people's affairs. What he is particularly afraid of is the prime minister's interference in the military. Therefore, every time he uses troops abroad, the emperor only discusses with the Privy Council alone, and does not allow the prime minister to participate. The prime minister does not even

Know.

Therefore, when Zhao Guangyi said this, Xue Juzheng naturally knew the seriousness of the matter. Moreover, the emperor's words had reached this point, which showed that the emperor was already very angry.

Zhao Guangyi glanced at the Privy Council envoys Chu Zhaofu and Cao Bin, and said calmly: "What do you two think?"

Chu Zhaofu bowed and said: "Wei Chen thinks that Xue Juzheng's words are very reasonable. Although the specific expenditure has not been calculated yet. However, it can be expected that the financial resources accumulated over the years will be wiped out. At that time,

I’m afraid we really can’t do the Northern Expedition!”

Zhao Guangyi snorted coldly and looked at Cao Bin again: "What about you?"

Cao Bin bowed and said: "The matter happened in a hurry. I haven't considered it carefully yet, but the matter is of great importance and it is not appropriate to act hastily."

Zhao Guangyi looked at Lu Duoxun who had been silent all this time: "Lu Qing, what do you think?"

Lu Duoxun was the Minister of the Secretariat of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and he was also the second prime minister. He was always cautious in his words and deeds. When he heard the official asked about his name, he stepped forward and bowed and said: "In order to pray for the late emperor, Empress Huarui led her to practice.

A few years ago. It is indeed worthy of praise. The official family built Jinming Pond for the empress. Planting peonies and gardenias will definitely become a new scenic spot. It is also something that adds glory to Bianliang, Tokyo. At the same time, the official family and the empress also

It is a very good idea to use this for training navy troops, and all aspects have been taken into consideration. As for the Northern Expedition, the officials have a long-term vision and already have a plan in mind. The ministers do not need to worry too much. They only need to obey the official orders and march forward bravely.

If you go forward, there will be no disadvantages!”

Zhao Guangyi was very satisfied and nodded frequently: "Very good, very well said! - Have you all heard it?"

Xue Juzheng kowtowed and said: "In the official family, matters are of great importance and should not be decided hastily!"

"Hasty? Are you saying that my decision was hasty?"

"I don't dare!" Xue Juzheng said: "Officials! If all the funds from the treasury are invested in the construction of Jinming Pool, once the war breaks out, the treasury is empty, and the military pay is at a loss, then the country of the Song Dynasty will be in danger!"

"Okay! It's not as serious as you said. We have millions of troops in the Song Dynasty, so how can we be in danger?"

Just as he was talking, Zhao Dezhao came over quickly with a few pieces of paper. His head was covered with sweat, and he bowed and said: "The officials, ministers and subordinates have made rough calculations. Calculated based on one million people, two years will be enough."

The food expenses and labor money are expected to reach 20 million yuan, plus the construction cost of 10 million yuan calculated earlier, the total cost will reach 30 million yuan!"

Thirty million yuan is equivalent to 30 billion yuan. Zhao Guangyi frowned and said to Queen Kaibao and his concubines: "Except for Concubine Huarui, the rest will step down!"

After they all retreated, Zhao Guangyi asked Zhao Dezhao: "How much military expenditure is currently saved?"

"Military expenditure is 20,200,000 yuan."

This means that all the saved military expenses are not enough to invest in the construction of Jinming Pool. Zhao Guangyi asked again: "What about food?"

"80% of the military rations will be used up!"

If there is no food and grass, how can we attack the Northern Han Dynasty and Daliao Dynasty?

Zhao Guangyi looked at the flower stamen. The flower stamen turned its head to the side and looked greedily at the scenery below the mountain. It was like a canary that had been locked in a birdcage for a long time and could finally spread its wings and soar under the blue sky. Zhao Guangyi looked at her, thinking for a long time.

, said: "This way, we will allocate 400,000 migrant workers, and the remaining workers will be from the capital's imperial army! This way, we can save more than half of the food expenses and labor money."

Chu Zhaofu hurriedly said: "Absolutely not! The Forbidden Army is the elite guarding the capital. How can it be used to dig lakes and build gardens? If so, who will guard the capital?"

Several other governors all echoed, except Lu Duoxun, who remained silent.

Zhao Guangyi looked at him again: "Lu Qing, what do you think?"

Lu Duoxun bowed and said: "I thought that Chen Hongjin and Qian Chu surrendered one after another, and now the south has been unified, leaving only the Northern Han Dynasty in the north. Without the support of the Liao Dynasty, the Northern Han Dynasty can be said to be vulnerable. And the Liao Dynasty also

The Song Dynasty is quite afraid of me. If I really use troops against the Northern Han Dynasty, they will not rush to support with all their strength. Therefore, to conquer the Northern Han Dynasty, there is no need for an elite imperial army. The Xiang army along the northern border is enough! After the Northern Han Dynasty is conquered, Jinmingchi has already been

When it is completed, the Forbidden Army, which has been tempered for two years, will greatly increase its combat power, be invincible in every attack, and be invincible in every battle. It will surely sweep the Liao Dynasty and march straight to the capital!"

Zhao Guangyi was very happy, squinting his eyes and listening happily, nodding his head again and again.

Chu Zhaofu said in a deep voice: "You mean to use the Xiang army to go to the Northern Expedition? Isn't that asking for death?"

Zhao Kuangyin, Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, gathered elite soldiers from all over the country to form the so-called "Forbidden Army", that is, regular elite direct line troops, mainly concentrated near the capital to defend Kyoto. The remaining old, weak, sick and disabled stayed in the local area, called the "Forbidden Army".

They are called "Xiang soldiers". They are mainly engaged in various miscellaneous tasks. Therefore, they are also called "conscripts". Although they engage in battle when necessary, their combat effectiveness is very poor.

The Second Prime Minister Shen Lun also said: "Master Lu, if you don't understand military affairs, don't come up with random ideas and disturb the thoughts of the officials. You can't afford to deal with anything but chaos in the future!"

Lu Duosun smiled and did not refute.

However, Zhao Guangyi said with a sullen face: "Shen Qing, you said that Lu Qing doesn't understand military affairs, do you think you do?"

Shen Lun hurriedly bowed and said, "Even a humble minister doesn't understand."

"That's it. Since you don't understand, how do you know that Lu Qing's idea is not good?"

"this……"

Zhao Guangyi said to Cao Bin: "You are the only general here who has led an army in battle. Do you think I can conquer the Northern Han Dynasty if I lead an army of 200,000?"

The people in the Northern Han Dynasty were poor and weak, and the army only had 10,000 or 20,000 people. In fact, they were no match for the Song Dynasty at all. When Zhao Kuangyin attacked the Northern Han Dynasty, he adopted a harassment war of siege and reinforcements. He did not really want to capture the Northern Han Dynasty. What he considered at that time was The Northern Han Dynasty was left to act as a barrier and buffer with the Liao Dynasty, so every time it was a feint attack. When the Liao Dynasty's army came to rescue, it withdrew. If it attacked now, as long as the Liao Dynasty did not rush to rescue with all its strength, the Song Dynasty Even with 200,000 Xiang troops, the Northern Han Dynasty can be taken down. What's more, Zhao Guangyi said that he would conquer personally, so who dares to say that he will fail?

Therefore, Cao Bin cupped his hands and said: "The official's personal expedition will boost the morale of the soldiers, and they will definitely be successful. The Northern Han Dynasty is like something in the official's pocket, so it is natural to capture it. However, the construction of Jinmingchi still requires..."

Zhao Guangyi waved his hand to stop him from talking, and asked Shen Lun with a smile: "Shen Qing, did you hear that?"

Shen Lun sweated on his forehead and whispered: "Wei Chen..., I heard..."

Xue Juzheng was still kneeling on the ground. The official Zhao Guangyi would not let him stand up, so he did not dare to get up. Hearing this, he couldn't help but said: "But the officials, if they use the Xiang army to fight, the casualties will inevitably increase dramatically. It is better to let the imperial army attack the Northern Han Dynasty." , let the Xiang army come to dig Jinming Pond..."

"No need!" Zhao Guangyi interrupted Xue Juzheng's words, "The north and south are thousands of miles apart, so why bother the people and waste money by moving soldiers back and forth? Attacking the Northern Han Dynasty, we can't take down 200,000 Xiang troops, so what's the use of raising these soldiers?" The decision has been made, and all the forbidden troops near the capital have been put into work. There is nothing in the capital now, and there is no need for them to stay idle. It is time to get active. The remaining 400,000 people will be mobilized from across the country. The army has its own food and supplies. Military pay, however, is an extra payment. It only needs to be given to those transferred from the army, so that the expenditure can be reduced by about half. The labor and food banknotes should also be reduced as appropriate, and the total expenditure should be controlled within 15 million yuan. In this way, we still have 7 million military expenses, which is enough to attack the Northern Han Dynasty. Once we capture the Northern Han Dynasty, our military supplies will naturally be replenished. By then, the Jinming Pool will be almost completed, and we can draw out the Forbidden Army. Attacking the Liao Kingdom!"

Xue Juzheng and others were shocked again. Xue Juzheng said hurriedly: "After the officials defeated the Northern Han Dynasty, they are going to send troops to the Liao Kingdom?"

"Yes, otherwise, what would I do if I attacked the Northern Han Dynasty and destroyed this barrier with the Liao Kingdom?"

"However, most of the military expenditures have been spent on Jinmingchi. The country's 400,000 people have worked hard day and night for two years. How can they still have the strength to support the front? The Liao Dynasty is different from the Northern Han Dynasty. Their military strength is no less than that of the Song Dynasty. Even the late emperor was here After raising military pay for more than ten years, we don’t dare to attack the Liao Dynasty rashly. Now the government is building Jinming Pond and doing a lot of construction, spending more than half of the treasury’s military expenditure. Once we confront the Liao Dynasty, I’m afraid it will be difficult for us to win..."

Zhao Guangyi snorted coldly and said: "Xue Qing, I have already said that the privy councilors only need to know about the expedition, and they will faithfully perform their duties. Xue Qing does not need to interfere. Okay, I will let you do it. We have finished what we heard. In the remaining time, we will go out and have fun. You are busy with government affairs every day. Now, I will give you a few days to have a good time! - Xue Qing, get up!"

Xue Juzheng slowly stood up, bowed and said: "Guan family, this matter about Jin Mingchi..."

Zhao Guangyi was displeased and said in a deep voice: "Did Xue Qing not hear what I said?"

"Wei Chen dare not."

"Then you all should retreat, set up your tents, and follow me for an outing in an hour!"

"I am waiting for your order!"

After that, they all took their leave.

Huarui glanced at Zhao Guangyi and whispered: "I also retire."

"Hua Rui!" Zhao Guangyi hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, and said in a low voice: "In order to build Jinming Pond for you, I offended all these ministers. I am very affectionate and righteous for you, right?"

Huarui said: "Looking at their appearance today, I'm afraid that this matter will not let go. After returning, they will probably collude with other ministers and find ways to stop this matter. In the final analysis, the country, the country, and the country are the most important, and they think that,

Discouraging the construction of Jinming Pond is just for the sake of the country and the country, but they don’t know the importance of the navy. It’s really a shame.”

"Yes, Hua Rui's idea is very good. I will build a navy and start training. It may be useful during the Northern Expedition."

"It's not maybe, it's definitely!"

"Yes, that's for sure! Hehe. When the navy is completed, how about I accompany Hua Rui and command the navy for training?"

Hua Rui smiled and said: "This navy army was Hua Rui's idea. If the government fails, Hua Rui will be the marshal of the navy army!"

"No problem!" Zhao Guangyi laughed loudly, "With a navy marshal like Hua Rui, the morale of the navy soldiers will be even higher! Hahaha."

Afterwards, Zhao Guangyi took Hua Rui, the concubines, Xue Juzheng and several other ministers, walked down the mountain, walked along the road along the lakeside of Jinmingchi, and wandered all the way. Zhao Dezhao was aside, and based on the plan on the drawing,

It was explained that certain pavilions and palaces would be built in a certain place. Zhao Guangyi listened and discussed with Hua Rui from time to time. If he felt something was not good, he proposed modifications. Zhao Dezhao and the officials who followed him were busy writing it down.

Revise.

At noon, Zhao Guangyi invited everyone to sit on the grass and eat. Seeing En Xue Juzheng waiting for the old minister to leave, he was sweating profusely. He couldn't help laughing and joking with them.

Xue Juzheng was only thinking about Jin Mingchi. He wanted to talk and laugh with the officials, but the officials had already said that they were not allowed to talk about Jin Mingchi anymore, so he was full of words but couldn't say them out. He could only go back and contact him.

The admonishment officials of the Yuan Yuan and other princes and ministers jointly submitted a letter to dissuade the officials from stopping this ridiculous project.

After lunch, we went sightseeing again and listened to Zhao Dezhao’s explanation of the buildings along the way.

Suddenly, a lot of animals came out from the front, including hares, pheasants, foxes, red deer, etc. When they saw them, they fled in panic. However, it turned out that it was Wang Jien who had asked the Imperial Army who came to inspect the scene the day before to take down the animals on the mountain.
Chapter completed!