The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

"I understand, your humble servant. However, the Guazhou cavalry is still very submissive to the Great Zhou on the surface, and the court has not caught any small flaws in them in the past two years. In addition, the Guazhou soldiers are very loyal to General Wei, and the people in the northwest are tough. It may not be appropriate to act rashly. Even if we want to take back the military power, we must have a legitimate reason and a legitimate reason," Zhang Pingan pondered.

He knew that Zhou Ziming had wanted to take action against the Northwest Army a long time ago, and the Northwest Army was probably also aware of it. However, the country had just been founded and there was instability in the Western Regions. They had to rely on this army to deter the border, so that there was a brief period of peace on the surface.

Just as Zhou Ziming said, the Northwest Army also asked for a lot of military pay. Although they were called subordinate troops, they were actually more like mercenaries.

Over time, Zhou Ziming would definitely not allow this situation to happen. How could he sleep peacefully with a tiger watching him closely?

However, since Zhou Ziming mentioned this, he guessed that the relevant arrangements had probably been made.

"You are right. The Northwest Army is very prestigious among the people in the Northwest and has good combat capabilities. We can only win this battle by intelligence, not by force. I summoned you here today to discuss this matter," Zhou Ziming nodded in agreement.

If it were easy, it wouldn't have been delayed until now.

Thinking of the discussion about the diplomatic mission to the Western Regions during the game of chess, Zhang Pingan asked tentatively, "Could it be that Your Majesty is trying to make a fuss about this diplomatic mission to the Western Regions?"

Zhou Ziming neither nodded nor shook his head. Instead, he took Zhang Ping'an to the sand table and pointed at it, saying, "Look, Ping'an, the whole world is now basically under the control of the Great Zhou. Only the small countries in the Western Regions are still independent outside the Great Wall. Isn't it a pity that a piece of the map is missing?"

"I know in my heart that this time, Lord Lin and his envoys will not have a smooth journey to the Western Regions. Firstly, although the northwestern countries are small, they are inherently rebellious. Throughout the dynasties, they have always wavered between being vassal and not being vassal.

Secondly, with the ambitious King Jinwuhan secretly coveting the throne, how could he sit back and watch the Western Regions submit to the Great Zhou? He would certainly try to obstruct this, whether through secret ambushes or sowing discord among the Western Regions. Minister Lin and his men would be in danger. This would be a perfect excuse for the imperial court to intervene in Northwestern military affairs, perhaps even forcing them to send troops to the Western Regions.

If they use this excuse to shirk responsibility, I can seize Wei Chengfeng's military power, disperse his forces, and eliminate the Northwest Army. If they send troops to pacify the Western Regions, it will not be a loss for me. Their forces will be greatly depleted, and it is only natural for the court to send troops to replenish them. It is a perfect strategy to have the best of both worlds!"

Zhang Ping'an understood that this mission to the Western Regions was actually mostly to serve as bait.

It is also a test by the court on all parties.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhang Ping'an cupped his hands. "However... I remember that Your Majesty seemed reluctant to send troops before. The Guazhou cavalry is unstable. If they take the opportunity to rebel, it would be a great disaster and affect the order of the court. And as for the Jinwu Kingdom, since Your Majesty knows that the Jinwu Khan has rebellious intentions, why is he opening borders in various places to conduct trade? Isn't that a risky move?"

"Yes, this is a risky move. I was reluctant to take this path before. After all, the people are the ones who suffer from the constant wars. But now the situation has changed, and I have to plan ahead. I can't wait that long. After pacifying the Western Regions and resolving the threat from the Northwestern Army, I have further plans. This may take several years, even ten years. I am no longer young, and I must accomplish this within my lifetime." Zhou Ziming's face was calm, with a commanding aura of determination.

"As for the Jinwu Kingdom, there's no need to worry for now. Every prince has his own ambitions!

They were badly damaged in the previous Central Plains War, and it would take at least ten to twenty years for them to recover some of their combat power. By then, our four seas will be at peace, and with an army of millions, he will certainly not dare to act rashly, and he will be old by then.

Furthermore, with the implementation of the Enfeoffment Order, he married so many women and had so many children, and his power was not centralized and was repeatedly weakened, making him even less influential!

Zhang Ping'an saw a hint of contempt in Zhou Ziming's eyes and wanted to say something, but after thinking it over, he didn't say it out loud.

Based on his understanding of Guo Jia, he is a person who is good at sleeping on straw and tasting gall. Would he really be willing to be content with the status quo and live a mediocre life?

But saying this is too suspicious.

You might even get covered in lice that you can't get rid of.

So Zhang Ping'an took the initiative to offer his services, saying, "Your Majesty has great plans and strategies, and everything is under control. The most pressing matter is the affairs of the northwest. I am willing to share your worries. It just so happens that after the establishment of the new dynasty, the court has not yet officially appointed officials to inspect the border troops. I am willing to go and cooperate with Lord Lin to help Your Majesty regain military power and stabilize the government!"

Zhang Ping'an did not say this on impulse. Throughout the dynasties, when faced with major war crises or the establishment of a new dynasty or the change of imperial power, the Privy Councilor, as the highest military commander of the central government, would personally go to the northwest border for inspection.

Firstly, he represented the imperial power, inspected and appeased the people, and stabilized the morale of the army.

Secondly, it is to assess the strength of the border troops. Only by personally inspecting the border fortifications, military training, food reserves, and the capabilities of generals can accurate information be provided for the court's border decisions to prevent deceiving superiors and concealing the truth. It also has the meaning of a warning and deterrent.

Thirdly, it can also deal with the problems of the vassal states along the way. If a senior general shows signs of being too powerful and arrogant, the Privy Councilor needs to go and coordinate and comfort him. It is called coordination, but in fact it is a plan to replace him.

The imperial court is extremely vigilant about this situation, such as the current Guazhou Iron Cavalry General Wei Chengfeng.

Previously, because the capital was in Lin'an, it was not so convenient. Lord Guo, who had been beheaded, did not stay there for long and did not actually solve the problem of military power.

After the capital was moved, no officials were sent to the northwest border again.

So sending someone there at this time was reasonable and not abrupt, and it was also part of Zhang Ping'an's job.

He guessed that Zhou Ziming called him over today for this matter. Since the position of Privy Councilor was vacant, it would be his turn as the Deputy Privy Councilor to take it.

I just don't know what Zhou Ziming meant by the change in the situation. After thinking about it carefully, nothing major has happened in the court recently, and everything is stable both inside and outside the country.

I don’t know why Zhou Ziming said this.

Just now, Zhang Ping'an heard that Zhou Ziming had no intention of explaining in detail, so he did not ask any further questions. He was strictly observing his duty as a subject and could only raise another question mark in his mind.

"Ping An is indeed my trusted confidant. This is indeed my plan, but this isn't a simple inspection. I will send another group of troops as backup, though the candidates haven't been decided yet," Zhou Ziming said after listening to Zhang Ping An's request for a while. "Does Ping An have any suitable personnel to recommend?"

Zhang Ping'an's heart skipped a beat when he heard this. Having been in the officialdom for so long, he knew that serving the emperor was like serving a tiger. He never acted overly wise or clever in front of Zhou Ziming, and mostly played the role of listener during political discussions.

Hearing Zhou Ziming's ambiguous words, he couldn't help but wonder if he had said too much.

It would be absolutely inappropriate to ask him to recommend someone. He guessed that the military officer sent as backup this time might be the one who would take over the Northwest Army in the future. If civil officials and military officers were too close, they would easily be accused of forming a clique for personal gain.

After thinking about this, Zhang Ping'an mentioned several well-known military officers above the fourth rank in the court, which was considered impartial, and finally let Zhou Ziming make the decision.

Zhou Ziming didn't immediately decide on a candidate, nor did he say anything more. After a while, he waved his hand and said, "I'm a little tired. You can leave now!"

Zhang Ping'an immediately bowed and took his leave.

Only after walking a long way did I realize that my chest was covered in cold sweat.

At times like this, I have to guess my superiors' intentions and be careful with what I say and do. I don't know if I will get heart palpitations if I do this for too long. Alas!

At this time, Liang Fu quietly entered the hall and gently reminded: "Your Majesty, it's time to take the medicine!"

Zhou Ziming didn't move, still holding his forehead with his hands, and it was unknown whether he heard it or not.

After a moment, Liang Fu reminded again softly.

Zhou Ziming raised his head and sighed, "Will medicine help? I have long-standing internal injuries. I'm afraid no panacea will be of any use!"

Liang Fu paused and advised, "Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Jin has recently changed the prescription. It might be effective. It's better to take it than not to take it. How can you know if you don't try it?"

This last sentence finally moved Zhou Ziming. He reached out and took the pill from Liang Fu's hand, threw it into his mouth, chewed it up, and swallowed it. Then he rinsed his mouth with tea and said, "Don't tell the Queen."

"I understand!" Liang Fu bowed respectfully.

After taking the medicine, Zhou Ziming unconsciously touched his chest, but he still couldn't breathe as if a stone was pressing on it.

But he's gotten used to it lately.

Thinking of something, he tilted his head and asked, "How is Xiao Zhengzi doing recently?"

Speaking of his eldest disciple, Liang Fu's face showed a more sincere smile. He replied, "Master Wu said that his martial arts skills have improved a lot recently. This child is smart and motivated. He is a rare and good seedling. Now that he is learning from the Crown Prince, he is becoming more and more clever."

"Really? It seems you have good taste," Zhou Ziming smiled.

Liang Fu smiled and replied cautiously, "Duke Wei must have good taste. He chose him at first sight. Otherwise, I would never have accepted him."

When this person was mentioned, Zhou Ziming was silent for a moment and said nothing more.

Liang Fu also tactfully remained silent and stood aside.

The high palace walls could not block the cold autumn wind. A withered yellow leaf was blown into the palace and fell on the table.

Zhou Ziming picked it up gently, looked at it for a while, and crushed it.

No matter how long he lives, he will definitely do what he wants to do.