The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 80: Why is Yi born after Yin is born?
"Brother, why did you drag Zhao Kuangyin into this? If it were me, he should be kicked as far away as possible."

When he returned to the barracks of the Inner Palace Guards, Ma Renyu was immediately puzzled when he learned that Zhao Kuangyin was also going to join the officer corps training the imperial guards.

"In the army, stop calling each other big brother and little brother. Just keep using the old ways."

Li Yi reminded Ma Renyu and continued, "Although Zhao Kuangyin is now suppressed by me, when Your Majesty was concurrently serving as the prefect of Kaifeng Prefecture, Prince Consort Zhang recommended him to be the cavalry commander of Kaifeng Prefecture. So he can be considered as half of Your Majesty's old minister."

"Your Majesty is a man who cherishes old friendships. When Your Majesty was guarding Chanyuan, Wang Pu, Cao Han and others under your command were originally minor officials, but now they have all been promoted to the rank of Doctor of the Ministry of Personnel and Secretary of the Privy Council."

"Even if Zhao Kuangyin isn't as famous as me right now, Your Majesty might still think of him one day. Rather than worrying about it later, why not bring him to your side early? This will both demonstrate my generosity and keep him under my watch. Isn't that a good idea?"

"As for the personal grudge between him and me, it is naturally insignificant compared to the overall situation."

"Besides, we have only a shallow foundation in the military. Reforming the Imperial Guards will inevitably offend people. We can ask Zhao Kuangyin to help us share these things. No matter how you look at it, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages."

Li Yi patiently explained to Ma Renyu and the other two.

If it were someone else, he would definitely not bother to say more, but these people were his confidants, so of course many things had to be explained seriously.

Hearing this, Ma Renyu finally gave up, but he still couldn't help but mutter: "Let Zhao Kuangyin get this benefit for nothing..."

Li Yi smiled and said nothing more.

His thoughts on Zhao Kuangyin were completely different from before. He used to look up to him and thought that the future Emperor Taizu of Song was very bad.

But that was all Li Yi's view through the filter of later generations.

However, if you think about it carefully, before Chai Rong died of illness and Zhao Kuangyin took over as the Chief Inspector of the Palace, did he really have the intention of usurping the throne of the Later Zhou Dynasty?

Li Yi thinks this possibility is very low.

Deducing the reasons from the results, everyone felt that Zhao Da had planned this long ago, taking advantage of the opportunity of reorganizing the imperial guards to pave the way for his own enthronement step by step.

But if we put it in the context of the chaotic Five Dynasties period, which warrior had not dreamed of becoming an emperor?

But this is just like ordinary people also think about getting rich in their hearts.

It's just a thought, reality will be the same.

What's more, when Zhao Kuangyin started his career, he had two huge mountains pressing down on him: Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde.

Until Zhang Yongde was removed from office, Zhao Kuangyin was just the other party's younger brother.

In terms of seniority and prestige, he cannot compare with Li Chongjin.

Before taking the final step, who would have thought that Zhao Dahui would pick the peaches?
Otherwise, Chai Rong would not have let Zhao Da take over the position of the Palace Guard Commander-in-Chief with confidence.

It is precisely because from the surface, Zhao Da's chances are very small and his threat is far less than that of Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde.

But many times, when things come together, unpredictable chemical reactions always occur.

In fact, luck played a big part in Zhao Kuangyin's ability to launch the Chenqiao mutiny and wear the yellow robe.

If we have to say who is responsible for the biggest blame, it should be borne by several prime ministers including Fan Zhi.

Before his death, Chai Rong arranged a relatively reliable system of checks and balances. The prime minister and the Privy Council held military and political power. Zhao Kuangyin only had the title of Chief Inspector, but in reality he could not mobilize a single soldier.

Although Zhang Yongde was deprived of real power, Li Chongjin still served as the commander-in-chief of the imperial guards.

The title of Taizu's nephew and the military power of the imperial guards are still very deterrent.

However, when Emperor Gong Chai Zongxun ascended the throne, the prime ministers directly squeezed Li Chongjin out of the central government, stripped him of his position as the commander of the imperial guards, and completely crushed Li Chongjin to death on the Huainan front.

What's even funnier is that when they heard that the Khitan and Northern Han allied forces were heading south, Prime Minister Fan Zhi and others hurriedly sent Zhao Kuangyin to lead the troops north to resist without knowing whether it was true or not.

Zhao Kuangyin easily led the elite imperial guards out of Tokyo.

It was basically impossible to gather the imperial guards in Tokyo, and once the army was dispersed, its role would be very limited.

What's more, there was Han Tong in the Imperial Guard, who was appointed by Chai Rong before his death to restrain Zhao Kuangyin.

It's a pity that several civil officials and prime ministers created an opportunity for Zhao Da to incite the army to rebel.

Perhaps it was because of this incident that later generations suspected that there was a traitor among the prime ministers appointed by Chai Rong.

After all, Guo Wei, the founding emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty, had already played out the scenario of suddenly receiving a report that the Khitan were moving south, leading his army north to resist, then rebelling halfway and returning to Kaifeng.

It is hard to imagine that Zhao Kuangyin could successfully replicate this...

But now, Li Yi has emerged and replaced Zhao Kuangyin's original position in history.

It is hard to say how big a storm Zhao Kuangyin can stir up.

Li Yi's attention is now more focused on Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde who are above him.

Thinking of this, Li Yi glanced at Ma Renyu and the others, but saw that Li Hanchao looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

He asked, "Han Chao, do you have any questions?"

Li Hanchao quickly said, "I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not."

Li Yi frowned and said, "We are all brothers, what can't we say?"

"Envoy Li, please don't blame me for being nosy," Li Hanchao said with a bow. "If we place too many of our own people in that officer corps right now, we'll probably be criticized."

Hearing Li Hanchao's concerns, Li Yi shook his head slightly. The other party was indeed very smart and had a very insightful view of the problem.

But ultimately, due to the limitations of his inherent thinking, Li Hanchao didn't see through some things.

However, it's not his fault.

To be honest, if Li Yi didn't have the foresight for history, he might not be able to see things more deeply than Li Hanchao.

Li Yi explained, "Why did Your Majesty appoint me as the Inspector General of the Armies? It's not just because I've made great contributions, nor is it because I was the one who proposed the reorganization of the Imperial Guards."

"These two aspects are just superficial reasons."

"In the final analysis, we have a shallow foundation, are not afraid of offending others, and do not have complicated connections in the Imperial Guard. We will not be timid when doing things. Rectifying the Imperial Guard requires people like us."

"Besides, the more you dare to offend others, the more His Majesty will trust you."

"After all, we can't easily touch the generals in the Imperial Guards, but if we take action against the middle and lower-level generals, we will inevitably offend these generals, because there may be their people among them."

"If we offend these people, we will become isolated ministers. Do you think His Majesty will trust us more?"

Li Hanchao suddenly realized, "I understand. We are going there to offend people. The officers and officers must be our own people. Your Majesty is naturally aware of this."

"If you want to reorganize the Imperial Guards, you have to do this."

"That's right!" Li Yi nodded. "Could it be that we really have some ulterior motives?"

Hearing this, several people thought it was a joke and didn't take it seriously.

Ma Renyu said carelessly: "If there is any ulterior motive, it is not our turn. His Majesty may still need you, Brother Yi, to help guard against those two in the future." "Talk less nonsense in the future!" Li Yi scolded him.

However, what Ma Renyu said was true. Li Yi really did not have the qualifications to have any other thoughts now.

Everyone just thinks that everything he does is to climb up the ladder.

Li Yi continued, "I only plan to select 20 to 30 people from the group in Feiyingdu, and add you guys to join the officers and officers team to reorganize the imperial guards."

"The remaining manpower will naturally be left to the Privy Council to worry about and arrange."

"No one can say that what we did was wrong."

At this time, Zhang Jiangong, who had been silent all this time, spoke up: "If we offend too many people, will it be difficult for us to serve in the Imperial Guard in the future?"

Li Yi chuckled and said, "It's not likely that we'll offend many people. We're just eliminating the old and weak and training the elite. Those who are truly capable will naturally stay and perhaps even be promoted."

"And what big waves can those who have no ability make?"

"Just be careful about the limits..."

Several people nodded in agreement.

However, Li Yi had something left unsaid in his mind. His biggest goal was actually to replace all those middle and lower-level officers with people who were close to him.

To put it bluntly, even if Li Yi didn't want to follow Zhao Da's path and only wanted to be a loyal minister of the Later Zhou Dynasty.

He also had to take advantage of the opportunity of reorganizing the imperial guards to deploy his own forces.

After all, if you want to be a loyal minister, you must also have a trump card to protect yourself.

Besides, some things are not a question of whether you want them or not in the end.

Unless you just want to live a life of idleness and wait for death, you can naturally do nothing, but as long as you are still motivated and want to work hard to climb up, you have to prepare for many things.

……

The garrison of scattered troops.

Zhao Kuangyin sat at the door of the barracks, staring at the several large elm trees beside the door, lost in thought.

Suddenly, he sighed softly.

"Brother Yi, Brother Yi...why didn't I realize you were such a powerful person?"

At this moment, Zhao Kuangyin felt mixed emotions.

He recalled everything that had happened since he met Li Yi, and couldn't help but feel that he was blind.

But who could have imagined that the seemingly amiable and polite young man would be so successful today?

In the Battle of Gaoping, Zhang Yuanhui was killed in battle.

In the Battle of Xinkou, the Liao army was repelled and the Liao government official Yelu Dilu was killed.

These achievements have long been famous throughout the world.

But what is even more commendable is that the other party is both brave and resourceful. He proposed a plan to reorganize the imperial guards at the court meeting, and Zhao Kuangyin couldn't help but applaud and praise him secretly.

Especially those remarks about destroying Buddhism, they were simply... fucking brilliant!
The work is done, money is earned, and it can be said that it is for the good of Buddhism.

How can someone so young have such unique insights?

"Since Yin was born, why did Yi..."

If Zhao Kuangyin had read Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he would probably have shouted out this sentence.

It’s a pity that even Luo Guanzhong’s ancestors are still unknown, so Zhao Da certainly cannot use this famous saying to express his feelings.

“Yuen Long!”

Just then, a shout came from outside the camp gate.

Yuanlang was Zhao Kuangyin's courtesy name. The only person in the army who could call him by his courtesy name was his childhood friend Shi Shouxin.

Sure enough, Shi Shouxin was seen riding a horse into the camp of the scattered army.

He was holding something high in his hand.

Shi Shouxin came up to Zhao Da and immediately dismounted, shaking the thing in his hand and said happily: "Yuanlang, your good news is coming!"

"Good thing?"

Zhao Kuangyin was confused, so he took the silk bag handed to him by the other party and opened it. It turned out to be a letter of appointment.

"Zhao Kuangyin, the Marquis of Yu, was appointed Deputy Envoy for Inspecting the Military Appearance in Front of the Palace..."

Looking at the contents of the appointment letter, Zhao Kuangyin was suddenly in disbelief and looked up at his childhood friend.

Shi Shouxin smiled and explained, "This job was recommended to you by Envoy Wei by Envoy Li. I happened to be on duty at the government office today. When I heard about it, I went to Envoy Wei and told him to bring you this letter of appointment."

"It saves you from having to go all the way there yourself..."

"Ok?"

Zhao Kuangyin didn't bother to listen to what Shi Shouxin said next, but only paid attention to the three words "Li Dushi".

He was stunned for a moment and couldn't help asking, "Which Li Dushi?"

Zhao Kuangyin thought: I am close to Zhang Yongde, and Li Chongjin is not on good terms with Zhang Yongde, so how could he recommend me?
"Li Dushi, the Inner Palace Guard."

"What? Brother Yi!"

Zhao Kuangyin looked surprised.

Hearing Shi Shouxin say that Li Yi personally recommended him was even more shocking than if Li Chongjin had recommended him.

"Yuen Long, is there something wrong?"

"nothing."

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head. He hesitated for a moment, then made a decisive decision: "I will go to the Inner Palace to visit Envoy Li now."

"I'll accompany you..."

"No, I can just go by myself."

Immediately, Zhao Kuangyin asked someone to bring a horse and head straight for the Inner Palace Guard’s station.

(End of this chapter)