The prince is more stable

Chapter 148 Brothers and Brothers Respect
A normal war requires a certain preparation period.

It doesn't mean that the monarch of one side suddenly goes crazy and starts fighting immediately if he wants to.

What to do during the preparation period? Troops, food, and weapons are prepared, along with rallying the people and stirring up public opinion to achieve a national unity against the enemy.

Finally it is time to start a war.

Without any preparation, he just threw out an imperial decree and insisted on sending troops immediately. This kind of monarch is not only a tyrant, but also a complete fool.

Fortunately, Zhao Xu is not a fool.

He was well aware of how complicated it was to prepare for a war and how much manpower and material resources were required, especially when fighting against the Liao Kingdom, which was a gamble on the country's destiny.

Zhao Xu longed for this war, but he would not let this desire cloud his mind. He could remain calm in the face of major events, which was the basic quality of an emperor.

"Your Majesty, please remain calm and wait for the opportunity. I believe that we must first strengthen our own fists before we can confidently strike down others. I am reluctant to admit that the Song Dynasty's military problems are profound, and the ancestral system of prioritizing civil over military needs urgent change."

"To use a simple analogy, ordinary people would be polite when asking for help. Why would the imperial court use the lives of its imperial guards to trample their status and dignity into the mud? It's not the right way to bully people. There has never been such a reason in history."

"I understand what your Majesty is worried about, but it's completely unnecessary. The power over all the military forces is firmly in the hands of the emperor. Any military commander who needs to mobilize troops must report to the highest levels."

"With such centralized power, the emperor doesn't have to worry about military generals raising troops to rebel. So, within the boundaries defined by the emperor, why not offer a little more welfare and grace to the hardworking soldiers?"

Zhao Xiaoqian had to bring up military affairs again. Last time, Zhao Xu accepted his advice and awarded honors to the generals of the four armies in Bian Jing and also gave rewards to the soldiers.

Then there is no more then.

Zhao Xiaoqian knew Zhao Xu's concerns. This concern had existed since the founding emperor Zhao Kuangyin, which was why he established the ancestral system of "valuing culture over military affairs."

In the final analysis, Zhao Kuangyin learned the lesson from the military governors in the middle and late Tang Dynasty who controlled their own troops and eventually led to the demise of the Tang Dynasty.

Another point is that although Zhao Kuangyin was Zhao Xiaoqian's ancestor in this life, it is undeniable that Zhao Kuangyin was not a dignified emperor.

The deity and his soldiers participated in the performance, putting on a "yellow robe" scene, expressing how reluctant he was and how much the people of the world and his soldiers longed for him to be the emperor, setting an example of both being in office and being in power.

No matter how clever the words are, it is still the case that the country was snatched from an orphan and a widow, and the acquisition of the country was ultimately not legitimate.

What do those who gain power through unjust means fear the most?
What I’m afraid of is that the generals under my command will follow suit. If you can wear this yellow robe, why can’t I?
This led to the later "releasing military power with a cup of wine" and the basic national policy of "valuing culture over military".

Throughout the Song Dynasty, this national policy was implemented unwaveringly by successive officials without any slackness.

It has to be said that from the beginning of the founding of the Song Dynasty, the national policies set by Zhao Kuangyin had determined the fate of the entire Song Dynasty.

Zhao Kuangyin has probably been reincarnated by now. Maybe a thousand years later, he has become a delivery rider for a group of people, wearing a yellow robe every day. Isn’t that cool?
However, the legacy of ancestral laws still affects the Song Dynasty today.

What Zhao Xiaoqian wanted to do was to eliminate these remnants. Otherwise, even if the Song Dynasty had more advanced weapons, the army would have no morale on the battlefield. When the enemy attacked, they would throw away their weapons and flee with their heads in their hands, which would still be a great defeat.

Nothing can be changed.

The outcome of the war was closely tied to Zhao Xiaoqian's personal destiny. He did not forget that there was a Jurchen tribe in the north that was now on the rise.

Xiao Guangjing's father, Xiao Wuna, not only served as the governor of Huanglong Prefecture and the commander-in-chief of the Northeast Road, but also had another duty, which was to monitor the actions of the Jurchen tribes.

This shows that the Liao Dynasty's rulers and ministers had also noticed the rise of the Jurchen tribes.

The situation remains serious and time is still pressing. Zhao Xiaoqian did not want to get involved in court affairs and military affairs, but since Zhao Xu asked about it today, Zhao Xiaoqian had to speak.

He didn't want to take off all his clothes and perform the sheep-leading ceremony in front of strange men.

"Since the emperor has the courage to implement new laws, why doesn't he have the courage to change the military system? The court is debating endlessly over the many new legal provisions, but I am certain that adding a 'military service law' will only benefit the Song Dynasty."

"It may cost the national treasury some money and grain, but it will also help you achieve your ambition to unify China. Please carefully weigh the pros and cons."

Zhao Xu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I have just appointed Zhang Dun as Prime Minister, and now is the time to implement new laws. I have remembered what Zi'an said."

After a pause, Zhao Xu revealed a resolute expression and said, "This matter is of great importance. I cannot make a decision on my own. Tomorrow I will summon the ministers of the Council of State and the Privy Council to discuss the matter. In addition to the new law, we will also discuss the feasibility of the 'Military Service Law'."

Zhao Xiaoqian calmed down a bit and bowed sincerely, saying, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. The soldiers of the imperial guards will surely be loyal to the court."

Zhao Xu smiled bitterly and said, "Zi'an's words have caused me so much trouble. Not only do I have to face a lot of resistance in the court, but even if the military service law is feasible, I don't know how much additional expenses the national treasury will have to pay each year..."

There is no other way around it. Improving the status and treatment of the army cannot be achieved by the court simply shouting a few slogans. It requires real benefits.

The official rank and status of military generals were not bad, and they could be promoted with just an official document, but the treatment of ordinary soldiers required real money.

In any case, Zhao Xu gave in, and Zhao Xiaoqian began to look forward to tomorrow's meetings in the Council of State and the Privy Council.

…………

After the discussion between the emperor and his ministers, Zhao Xiaoqian said goodbye to Zhao Xu. Zhao Ji also said goodbye to Zhao Xu, and the two left Funing Palace side by side.

Zhao Xu personally escorted the two out of the palace, but saw Zhao Xiaoqian at the door taking the initiative to give way to Zhao Ji.

"Brother Ji is the prince, so he should go first. Please go ahead, brother Ji."

Zhao Ji hurriedly said, "You are my elder brother. How can you act after your elder brother? You absolutely cannot do that. It will embarrass me. Brother Zi'an, please go first."

"you please."

"you first."

"........."

Zhao Xu stood inside the palace gate, looking at this scene of brotherly love and respect, his eyes couldn't help but turn red with emotion.

The royal family is harmonious and the brothers love each other. What a promising royal family!

If the Zhao family ancestor’s spirit is still in heaven, please open your eyes and look at our promising descendants!
The final result after the two of them gave in was that they decided to walk side by side.

After leaving Funing Hall, the two turned the corner of the palace and walked along the corridor of Chuigong Hall.

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression suddenly changed, and he kicked Zhao Ji in the butt.

Zhao Ji covered his butt in shock and looked at him in confusion.

Zhao Xiaoqian stepped forward and put his arm around Zhao Ji's neck. From the back, it looked like an intimate gesture of brothers hugging each other's shoulders, but Zhao Xiaoqian's arm was so strong that Zhao Ji's face turned red.

"Brother Zi'an, what did I do wrong? Why is this happening?" Zhao Ji struggled.

Zhao Xiaoqian said coldly, "When I express brotherly love, I like to use more force. Don't you like me using more force?"

Zhao Ji was stunned. This... was not right!

Zhao Xiaoqian had no scruples. He had wanted to do this when he met Zhao Ji for the first time today. Zhao Xu was present at that time, and Zhao Xiaoqian was embarrassed to do it. But it didn't matter now, as there was no one around anyway.

It is no exaggeration to say that Zhao Xiaoqian is very capable in bullying a little boy of thirteen or fourteen years old.

Even if Zhao Ji complained, it didn't matter. It was just a fight between brothers. Who would take it seriously?
Thinking about how badly his fate would have been ruined by this guy if the course of history had not changed, Zhao Xiaoqian became furious. After loosening his arms, he kicked Zhao Ji's butt hard again.

"Brother Ji, do you like poetry and prose? Do you like painting? Do you like writing? Do you like strange and unusual stones?" Zhao Xiaoqian sneered.

Zhao Ji looked flustered and nodded subconsciously.

"If you like it, focus on it and put more effort into it. Don't get involved in other things, and don't hurt others!" Zhao Xiaoqian warned.

Zhao Ji said in panic, "Brother Zi'an, what are you referring to? Please forgive my ignorance and explain it clearly."

"Don't worry about it, don't ask! Just remember what I said." Zhao Xiaoqian said impatiently.

The guy in front of him was not yet incompetent. He was still just a clear and sunny young man. Zhao Xiaoqian naturally couldn't say it clearly. He couldn't tell him that he would be a tyrant who would be infamous for eternity in the future.

Although the matter cannot be stated explicitly, the right place to bully must be found, otherwise the nameless anger in my heart will be difficult to extinguish.

After looking Zhao Ji up and down, Zhao Xiaoqian immediately took a fancy to a jade pendant around his waist.

There is a bat engraved on the jade pendant, and its texture is white and translucent, obviously a good piece of jade.

Since it's a good thing, you're welcome.

Zhao Xiaoqian pulled off the jade pendant from Zhao Ji's waist and decisively stuffed it into his arms.

"Brother, this is our first meeting today. Consider this as your greeting gift. Is that ok with you?"

"No, no objection..." Zhao Ji's shoulders shrank like a quail caught in the rain.

After thinking about it, he still felt unwilling to give in, so he kicked him on the butt again. Zhao Ji finally couldn't help but scream.

Zhao Xiaoqian then smiled and put his arm around his shoulders, saying, "Brother Ji has a good temper. I like dealing with people like you. Let's get to know each other more often in the future. After a while, you will find that I, your brother, do have many advantages."

"Let's go, I'll treat Brother Ji to a drink."

Zhao Ji was really scared. He beat and comforted him, and after beating him, he immediately put on a warm smile.

Is this person sick? He's so severely schizophrenic!
(End of this chapter)