Nothing happens in isolation.

For example, when Zhao Huan wanted to attack Gaochang, the barbarians on the grasslands couldn't sit still, and the Tubo in Longyou also couldn't hold back.

During the most powerful periods of the Central Plains dynasties, they would control Hexi and Longyou, as these were essential passages to the Western Regions.

Naturally, it became a battleground for various forces.

Tibet was indeed very strong, but that was in the past.

During the prosperous Tang Dynasty, it was the only entity that could rival the Tang Dynasty itself.

When the Tang Dynasty fell, the unified and powerful Tibetan Empire also perished.

They retreated directly from feudal society back to tribal society.

There are many reasons, but one that cannot be ignored is that Buddhism held an absolute dominant position in Tibet.

Tibet also launched several anti-Buddhist campaigns, but each one was eventually countered.

This is definitely a good thing for the Central Plains dynasties.

But what Zhao Huan couldn't understand was how the divided Tibetan tribes could possibly be trending towards unification.

This has never happened in history!

Upon receiving the emperor's order, Shao Chengzhang immediately rushed to the Privy Council.

At this time, Privy Councilor Zhang Xiaochun was personally reviewing the military expenditures of the Northwest.

He sighed, thinking to himself: It seems I'll have to ask Zhou Chao for money again.

The military in the Northwest is burning through money; the budget has already exceeded its limit.

This position of Privy Councilor is so hot to sit on. How did Li Gang manage to sit in it before?

The thought of having to confiscate Zhou Chao's property again gave Zhang Xiaochun a headache.

Even when he was in charge of military affairs in Yanyun, he wasn't as mentally exhausted as he is now.

At that time, as long as the logistics of Yanyun were managed well, everything would be fine.

Unlike now, where budgets need to be made every quarter and every month.

All the major war zones across the country were asking him for money, from figures like Yue Fei, Zhong Shizhong, and Wu Jie to local militias nationwide.

I'm either making a budget or on my way to make a budget!

They're either arguing with the Zhou Dynasty or with the Academy of Sciences.

Damn it, weren't the new muskets supposed to be out in a month?!

After arguing with the Academy of Sciences, he also had to exchange insults with Zhong Shizhong, his former superior, in letters.

My lord, we're really out of money! Out of money! Alright, alright, I'll go ask His Majesty for some more!

After writing the letter, I received another letter from Yue Fei.

Just after replying to Yue Fei's letter, Han Shizhong, the commander-in-chief of the Central Army, came to visit and said that the Imperial Guards needed to change to new horse-slaying swords, which had been in place for a long time.

No wonder His Majesty did not bring back the elderly Zhong Shizhong to serve as the Privy Councilor.

Although it was said to be at the level of prime minister and a minister before the emperor, it turned out that the position of Privy Councilor of the Great Song Dynasty was a terrible one.

Zhang Xiaochun, who was already prepared to fight with the Zhou Dynasty, suddenly saw Shao Chengzhang running over and knew that the emperor wanted to see him.

"Minister Zhang, His Majesty requests your presence."

Do you know what it is?

"The situation in the Northwest."

Zhang Xiaochun mounted his horse and hurriedly headed to Yanfu Palace.

As dusk fell, when Zhang Xiaochun entered, he saw the emperor, Hanlin scholar Shi Xun, and Marshal Zong Ze drinking tea, while Zhao Chun was reading "On Economics" on the side.

"His Majesty."

"You've arrived." Zhao Huan waved his hand, seemingly pleased. "Sit down and have some tea."

"I wonder what important matter Your Majesty has summoned me for?"

"Nothing else, have you sorted out all the tasks at hand?"

"Everything went smoothly."

Zhang Xiaochun said this against his will, as he had only been the Privy Councilor for half a year and had a lot of messy things to deal with.

When Tong Guan was the Privy Councilor, he wasn't this busy!

Why did it have to be my turn? Is being the Privy Councilor really that difficult?

In the past six months, Zhang Xiaochun has done more than he did in the first half of his life.

Only then did he truly understand what it was like to be in the central government, as a close advisor to the emperor.

"Having only recently taken over, it's inevitable that we'll encounter some problems. If you need help, just let us know; there's nothing that can't be solved."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your humble servant will do my utmost."

It must be said that the emperor was still a good emperor. Apart from being a bit bad-tempered at times, he was generally very good to his subordinates.

The best things in the palace were given to ministers at the drop of a hat.

"Master Zhang, I called you here to talk to you about something."

"Your subject is all ears."

"Issue a troop mobilization order to recall Wu Jie to Qingtang."

Zhang Xiaochun was slightly taken aback.

Zhao Huan explained, "I intend to wage war against Tibet."

"Your Majesty, no! There are still 250,000 barbarians in Hexi, and Gaochang outside Yumen Pass is also eyeing us covetously. If we launch an attack on Qinghai and Tibet at this time, we will be surrounded by enemies on three sides in the northwest."

"The barbarians of the grasslands have been routed in Hexi. Liu Qi and Zhang Shen have already sent troops to capture my Bahai. I have given them time. Two months later, they must send my Bahai's head to Tokyo."

"Gaochang outside Yumen Pass is nothing to worry about. With Yue Fei here, even if two more Gaochang come, my army can still cripple them!"

"As for Longyou, we have received the latest intelligence that the Prince of Shunyi is secretly recruiting soldiers. If I do not strike first and wait for him to rebel before attacking, wouldn't that endanger even more innocent people?"

"What! The Prince of Shunyi is going to rebel!" Zhang Xiaochun exclaimed in shock.

The imperial court treated Longza well, bestowing upon him titles and rewards, a practice that dates back to the reign of the retired emperor.

That bastard actually wants to rebel!

Zhang Xiaochun said, "Your Majesty, please forgive my sins. At present, the military strength of our Great Song Dynasty is at its peak, the old troops of Qing Tang have long been weakened, and Long Za has no strength to rebel. Is the intelligence from the front line wrong?"

Zhao Huan was not angry at Zhang Xiaochun's insistence, but patiently said, "The Qinghai-Tibetan Empire has indeed weakened, but that does not mean that all the Tibetan tribes have weakened. Now someone wants to reunify Tibet, and we must be on guard."

"Reunify Tibet?" Zhang Xiaochun was suddenly startled. He was a man well-versed in history and knew what Tibet would be like if it were unified.

"I will draft a letter requesting the troop deployment immediately."

"Well, there's one more thing I need you to do."

"What is it?"

Zhao Huan stood up, walked to the front of the map, and pointed to the Longyou region.

"In order to strengthen control over Longyou, I plan to build a highway from Chang'an to Qingtang City, starting from Lanzhou and then building the section from Chang'an to Lanzhou."

"The construction of this road needs to be accelerated. I need you to transfer manpower from the various garrison armies to support the Council of State in completing this task."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Looking at Zhang Xiaochun's two large dark circles, Zhao Huan said gently, "You've worked hard these past few days."

"It is my duty and responsibility to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Zhao Huan then asked Zong Ze, "Does the Marshal think that reinforcements are needed in Longyou?"

"With Wu Jie here, I believe it is unnecessary. The key to an army is quality, not quantity."

"Good!" Zhao Huan turned to Shi Xun and said, "Prime Minister Shi, quickly draft an imperial edict to summon the Prince of Shunyi to the capital!"

"yes!"

The three ministers rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, we take our leave."

Shi Ziming immediately returned to the Hanlin Academy and ordered the drafter of the imperial edict to summon Prince Longzha of Shunyi to the capital to meet the emperor.