Therefore, the entire process of the incident was very simple. Although Zhao Jun did not know whether anyone would take the opportunity to launch a coup, he knew that there had been palace rebellions in history.

It just so happened that he was recently cracking down on the nobles, so he wondered if someone might take the opportunity to rebel against the nobles and launch a coup in history.

So he tried to test the waters and brought everyone from the Constitutional Council to have a family dinner with Zhao Zhen to see if anyone would really jump out and seek death.

If no one is there, everyone is happy.

Zhao Jun began to purge the nobles and generals and completed the reform of redundant troops.

It would be better if there was.

This rebellion was just an opportunity to launch a larger-scale purge to eliminate all opposition forces.

Just like Zhu Yuanzhang put the charge of treason on Hu Weiyong, and then launched a purge to eliminate most of the founding generals.

Zhao Jun finished his speech, looking at Zhao Zhen, who had a complicated expression, and said, "Look, brother, sometimes being too kind is useless. Hesitating when you should make a decision will only lead to chaos. You may be kind to them, but they may not be kind to you."

"I"

Zhao Zhen's face was haggard, and he lowered his head in shame: "It's my fault."

"Well, through this coup, it's a good thing to see the true face of these vested interests and corrupt elements."

Zhao Jun looked at the crowd and said, "The empire is just starting to pick up, and there's still a long way to go. We can't let this matter hold us back. Sometimes we have to make up our minds. Let's take this opportunity to launch a purge."

"What are you going to do?"

Lu Yijian asked.

"First, the main culprit and the noble families involved in the treason must be exterminated!"

Zhao Jun gritted his teeth and said, "Although the Yi tribe might implicate innocent people, and our later laws don't have the concept of collective punishment, this is ancient times, and if we don't do this, it will be difficult to deter other villains."

"Um."

Everyone nodded slightly, believing that the interests of the civil service group were definitely consistent in this matter.

On the one hand, it can suppress the group of military generals and nobles, and on the other hand, it can take the opportunity to transfer the power of the three yamen to the Ministry of War. Why not do it?

"Secondly, for those noble families who did not participate in the treason but still committed serious crimes, only the criminals will be punished, and the innocent will not be implicated."

Zhao Jun continued, "Otherwise, there are many loyal descendants of the Cao, Zhe, Ge, Liu, Gao, and Wang families who have fought bravely in the army. If they are implicated, wouldn't they be beheaded despite their meritorious service?"

He was referring to the descendants of Cao Bin, Zhe Yuqing, Ge Ba, Liu Wenzhi, Gao Qiong, Wang Quanbin and others. These people fought desperately in the wars between Song and Xia and Song and Liao, and risked their lives for the court. It would be unfair if they were implicated in this matter.

"Um."

Everyone looked at each other and also had no objection.

"Finally, we will deal with those who have committed minor crimes, such as simply taking empty salaries, reselling military equipment, embezzling bribes, and other things that Taizu condoned back then."

Zhao Jun added, "Under normal circumstances, I would have jailed them, but since Taizu allowed them to do this, I can only let it go. However, they must not do this again. The court will find them new opportunities and livelihoods."

"No problem, this arrangement is fine."

Everyone agreed that Zhao Jun's handling of the matter was satisfactory.

He did not take a one-size-fits-all approach and take this opportunity to get rid of all the sons of military families.

After all, there are too many people involved, and many of them are children of generals who shone brightly in the wars between Song and Xia and Song and Liao.

If all of them were dealt with, it would not only discourage the army's morale, but would also make the other generals who were not from military families frightened and suspect that the court wanted to kill them.

That would only spread panic.

Therefore, by dealing with a group of treasonous criminals, suppressing a group of families that committed serious crimes, and finally appeasing a group of families that were willing to move closer to the court and accept the court's arrangements, the stability of the army can be achieved.

"Brother, I think it's okay for me to handle it this way."

Zhao Jun finally looked at Zhao Zhen again.

Although we were asking for his opinion, everyone knew that what other opinions could Zhao Zhen have?

He felt that Zhao Jun's purge of military officials and nobles was too cruel and wanted to show mercy.

What's the result?

They then rebelled.

Hit him hard in the face.

This also made Zhao Zhen feel embarrassed, and he could only say: "There is nothing wrong with what the eldest grandson did. Let's do it according to his wishes."

"Well, let's get to work!"

Zhao Jun stood up and said, "You all take action immediately. Have all departments coordinate and prepare. I'm also going to go to the front to take a look and start the cleanup."

Then he bowed to Zhao Zhen and said, "Brother, I'll go first."

"Um."

Zhao Zhen didn't say anything more about hoping he would be more merciful.

This conspiracy of rebellion also made him realize it.

Sometimes, you have to be decisive when you need to.

Otherwise, if he is always tolerant of everything, then anyone can ride on his head and shit on him.

What's more, it was the eldest grandson who started the purge. He is kind-hearted and cannot stand the sight of bloodshed, so he might as well hide in this deep palace and pretend not to hear or see anything.

After Zhao Jun had made his assessment of the matter, he stood up with the other prime ministers and said goodbye to Zhao Zhen.

After Renzong and his entourage left Chongzheng Hall, only Zhao Zhen was left inside, complaining to himself.

Everyone stood at the door.

The rain has been much lighter recently. The weather is gloomy and the ground is still a little wet.

Everyone looked at each other, and someone sighed, "Who knows how many people will die."

"Those who commit treason shall be put to death."

These words were not said by Zhao Jun, but by Lu Yijian.

"I know, I'm just sighing."

"Okay, let's go."

Zhao Jun waved his hand and said, "Everyone, do your job. This time, it's not just Bianliang that's involved, but the entire military. In a wave of purges, tens of thousands of mid- and low-ranking officers may be killed or exiled. We have to fill the gap, so we're busy."

Everyone shook their heads, dispersed and went about their own business.