Shen Tu Xin probably didn't know, and neither did Li Xiu Xuan, that Han Shizhong had also fought a naval battle in orthodox history.
Eight thousand men defeated Jin Wuzhu's one hundred thousand men.
Of course, the record of 100,000 men is a bit of an exaggeration, but Han Shizhong's naval warfare skills were indeed superb.
This is the difference between a great general and a mediocre one. A mediocre person will find excuses for their various failures and then continue to live a comfortable but mediocre life.
Whether it's land or sea warfare, a great general's principles remain the same: tactics are ever-changing, and water has no fixed form.
If the South were to truly draw its sword and start fighting, how could it possibly be a match for Yue Fei and Han Shizhong?
Zhao Huan never doubted this.
Zhao Huan immediately approved the Privy Council's request for military funds for warships, giving Han Shizhong as much as he wanted, and ordering the immediate construction of more if necessary.
As quickly as possible, Zhao Huan would not be at ease until Han Shizhong's army had captured Hangzhou.
Since the Northern Song Dynasty had largely unified China, with the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers located in its hinterland, it only used warships at the beginning of its reign when it fought against Sichuan and the Southern Tang Dynasty. After that, its ships were mostly used for water transport and were not professional warships.
However, in ancient times, ships were not classified in such a way. With slight modifications, the ships used for grain transport became warships.
Shipbuilding technology was already very advanced in the Song Dynasty, especially in the south, where there were many shipyards in Hangzhou, Quanzhou and Guangzhou, and many private shipbuilders.
Han Shizhong had been in Chuzhou for several days, but he had not seen a single boat on the Yangtze River, not even a fishing boat.
"Prefect Xu, I have heard that there are countless ships traveling between Jiangning and Chuzhou every day, but why have I not seen a single one?"
Xu Ming, the prefect of Chuzhou, said: "Commander Han, to be honest, many ships in the south have deteriorated due to years of disrepair this year. Recently, it has been the peak season for grain transport, and all the ships on the river have been transferred to the south."
"I see. It seems I will have to stay here for a while and trouble Prefect Xu."
"Commander Han, you are too kind. I am only serving the court and sharing the Emperor's burdens. I dare not be negligent."
Han Shizhong returned to the military camp and began writing memorials to the emperor.
What nonsense about being in disrepair for years, what nonsense about peak shipping season, go fool the devil.
Xu Ming must have taken money; it was Xu Ming who transferred the boat away.
They just want to keep Han Shizhong here. He'll come back after a while, but I'm afraid he might not be back for another six months.
Therefore, Han Shizhong decisively asked the emperor for a ship.
When Zhao Huan received Han Shizhong's memorial, he read another layer of information in it and quickly removed Xu Ming from his post.
He then summoned Li Gang, Xu Churen, and Liu Yanzong.
"Li Gang, are you aware that Han Shizhong wants warships?"
"Your Majesty, I have also received Han Shizhong's letter."
"He'll give me as much as he wants."
"This... Your Majesty, as you command." Li Gang felt like the Privy Council's funds were burning through cash.
Military expenses in the Northwest, Youzhou, Jiangling Prefecture, and the New Army.
Li Gang carefully calculated that, fortunately, the Imperial Guards had been reduced in number recently. The two Imperial Guards guarding the capital region had been eliminated, and the Emperor had suppressed the military expenses of the Southern Imperial Guards.
The reforms of the new policy have only just begun. Unlike the administrative reform of the State Council, the reform of the Privy Council will face greater resistance, since it involves the military.
The current unrest caused by the Southern Imperial Guards is a consequence of the military and political reforms. However, the emperor is now determined to oppose the new policies of the court. Whether you are a civil official or a military general, you will all be sent to meet the King of Hell.
"Liu Yanzong, I heard that Xu Ming is a corrupt official. Go and verify this. If it is true, file a case immediately. Xu Churen, be prepared to transfer people again."
Liu Yanzong immediately understood. What do you mean, "I heard he's a corrupt official"? It's clearly Xu Ming who's now getting in Han Shizhong's way. Your Majesty, you must kill him.
Liu Yanzong immediately replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"
Is there still a need to investigate? Your Majesty, isn't the Imperial City Guard already on their way to arrest them? No one acts faster than you.
All I had to do was open a case and make a call to the Censorate, and the matter would be settled after lunch!
Xu Churen said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will immediately find a suitable candidate and will certainly treat the people as my own children."
Xu Churen was also thinking to himself that he would definitely cooperate with Han Shizhong.
Zhao Huan asked, "When will you take office?"
Damn, Your Majesty, you're being way too direct! You haven't even investigated Liu Yanzong yet, and you're already asking how long he's been in office. Can't we be a little more subtle?
"I have a candidate in mind right now, named Hu Yutang. He was previously in Jingdong Road County. He is ruthless in his methods and upright in his character."
"Yes, let him go. I trust you."
Zhao Huan didn't ask any further questions. Since Xu Churen was now obediently cooperating with him, the emperor, to fully implement the new policies, and had been fined and threatened with death, the emperor naturally had to show his trust in him.
Otherwise, even a dog would harbor a great deal of resentment.
The emperor was telling Xu Churen, "I trust you. Just go ahead and do it. I won't doubt the people you recommend."
Originally feeling disappointed and annoyed because of the emperor's threat of fining him due to the rising grain prices in Tokyo, Xu Taizai's mood immediately improved.
"yes!"
"Your Majesty, grain prices have come down. In the past three months, 30,000 people have migrated to Tokyo from Jingji Road, Jingdong Road, and Jingxi Road. Among them, 20,000 have found work and have income."
Zhao Huan was aware of everything Xu Churen said. To be honest, the pace of these new policies was still under Zhao Huan's control, and Xu Churen was implementing them quite well, but the speed was still a bit slow and needed to be faster.
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