"Ah, another military reduction." The soldiers seemed to be in a state of panic.
"Please rest assured, fellow soldiers, the soldiers laid off by the court are still considered military households. They are used as reserve troops and released to help build their hometowns. If war breaks out, they will be the first to respond to the call-up. Moreover, they enjoy the same privileges as martyred households, including tax exemptions and annual military household subsidies."
"If we lay off so many soldiers, what will we use to resist the invasion of foreign enemies?" Several county governors also disagreed. The princes have always felt safe when they have soldiers in their hands. Laying off the soldiers is equivalent to weakening their power. How could they agree to this?
Shen Xu said calmly, “As for all soldiers, quality is more important than quantity.
The imperial court would set up the Privy Council and the Inspection Office to recruit talents specifically to study military strategies, armor and weapons, and improve the combat capabilities of the troops on the basis of cutting down troops.
From now on, military rations and military equipment will be distributed uniformly by the imperial court. Anyone who privately solicits for military rations without a legitimate reason will be considered treasonous."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall, both civil and military, began to discuss the matter.
The female prime minister's intention of this military reform was very clear, which was to prevent the governors of prefectures and counties who held military power from rebelling.
Pei Zhiyuan breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that raising the salaries of the royal army's soldiers so much would deplete the national treasury, but when he saw her drastically cutting down the military, he immediately understood.
Now that peace has been achieved, there is no need to continue paying military salaries. It would be better to simply give some soldiers a sum of money to allow them to return home and create their own value.
The military strength of various places was weakened, and the troops were divided into two groups, which were managed by two different departments. This allowed them to supervise each other and greatly reduced the possibility of rebellion by the princes.
Shen Xu also proposed some policies such as popularizing education, developing the economy, and enhancing national strength, and he explained them in great detail.
"The new policy will inevitably bring about various problems. You all work for the emperor and shoulder his responsibilities. I hope that all officials will follow his example and convey his will accurately and thoroughly to the people."
After the court meeting, Chen Xu asked the emperor to keep several important officials to discuss the diplomatic negotiation strategy for the Tianxin Lake Gold Mine. In the end, everyone recommended Chen Xu to be the chief diplomat.
However, it was opposed by Pei Zhiyuan.
Pei Zhiyuan stated that the locust plague and drought in the north had not yet been effectively addressed, and that the female prime minister needed to remain to manage internal affairs and appease the people. He proposed that Xue Yan, from a family of envoys, be appointed as the chief diplomat.
Shen Xu originally wanted Xue Yan to be the chief negotiator, so he agreed to his proposal without hesitation.
As early as three months ago, they intercepted a secret report from the Beihai Kingdom that a high-ranking official of the Yanyang Kingdom had colluded with the Beihai Kingdom and was preparing to assassinate the Yanyang Kingdom's envoy in the cliff corridor outside Xiling City in order to provoke a war between the two countries and achieve the effect of certain people reaping the benefits.
"Xue Yan, this negotiation not only aims to determine the ownership of the Tianxin Lake gold mine, but also to ensure the safety of the three envoys and prevent the outbreak of war. The disarmament order has just been issued, and any further fighting would be detrimental to the implementation of the new policy.
The task of being the chief diplomat is arduous, and the southwest is a dangerous place. Yang Chonghu's rebellious intentions are already obvious."
Upon hearing this, Xue Yu was worried about his brother's safety and quickly suggested, "Then let's bring more soldiers and horses to escort him."
Xue Yan frowned and said, "We can only send the Qingzhou Army to support the Qingzhou border. The main territory is still under Yang Chonghu's command. If we rashly send other troops there, it will cause panic and will not be conducive to the implementation of the new policy by the female prime minister."
Song Lin pointed to the city to the west on the map and suggested, "We can send troops through Linzhou Prefecture in the west. Once Yang Chonghu rebels, we can capture Jiangling Prefecture."
Shen Xu stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then sighed softly, "I'm just afraid he'll play dirty tricks."
Captain Song suggested, "How about A-Lin and I lead the guards? If all else fails, let's save our lives first. If negotiations fail, we can always come up with a new solution."
"This..." Shen Xu looked at Captain Song in embarrassment. She really didn't want her family to be in danger again.
"Yes, all the guards will be replaced with top-notch experts from the military," Pei Zhiyuan agreed, nodding his head. "The mission premise is to protect the lives of Master Xue and the Yanyang Nation negotiator."
Shen Xu nodded, "Then I will go to negotiate as well. If there is any change, it will be convenient for me to respond and give orders."
Pei Zhiyuan and Xue Yan said in unison: "Lady Female Prime Minister, please don't go."
Shen Xu looked at the two suspiciously, but heard Xue Yan explain: "Lady Female Prime Minister should stay in the capital and wait for me to bring back good news. Let my sister go. She is very skilled in martial arts and can protect me."
Captain Song also assured her, "Don't worry, niece-in-law. Old Song's martial arts skills are still enough to protect a few people."
Seeing her slightly worried, Song Lin comforted her, "Yes, since it's extremely dangerous, Xiuxiu should not go. The negotiations will only take a few days. Wait for our good news."
Shen Xu nodded and said, "Then Lord Pei and I will wait for your return at the border of Linzhou Prefecture."
Several people discussed and deployed some details to ensure that everything went smoothly.
......
After everyone finished discussing state affairs, it was already late at night. Song Lin accompanied Shen Xu back to the mansion rewarded by the emperor.
"Husband, why don't you want to be the Grand Marshal of the Army?" After bathing, Shen Xu put his arms around Song Lin's neck affectionately, his voice a little hoarse due to fatigue.
"Because Xiuxiu wants me to return to Qingzhou Prefecture to be a constable."
Shen Xu smiled gently, pursed his lips and nodded, hugging him and savoring the peace of mind. After a while, he said, "Once we negotiate this gold mine, we'll resign from our official positions and return to Qingzhou Prefecture. You'll be a constable, and I'll sell books, and we'll live a carefree life."
"Okay, I'm really not used to this court. On the first day, I felt the suffocation of the court."
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