In fact, at the beginning of the Song Dynasty, the Song army swept across the country and had extremely strong combat power. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to end the turbulent Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Zhao Kuangyin himself was also a genius emperor, but unfortunately he died young, and it was also a pity that he was made emperor by Zhao Er in a mysterious way.
After the ambitious but incompetent Zhao Er became emperor, the once-powerful Song Empire was almost brought to its knees by his actions. If it takes the efforts of several generations to make an empire strong, Zhao Kuangyin managed it for his entire life, but to weaken an empire, only one person is needed, and that person is undoubtedly Zhao Er.
History can be quite ironic. As Zhao Kuangyin's younger brother, according to the traditional Chinese succession to the throne, even if the earth were to turn upside down, it wouldn't be his turn. Yet, after the "Shadow of the Candle and the Sound of the Axe," this guy actually ascended to the throne.
It was truly a blessing from heaven that the Khitans, who were then experiencing internal strife, were being helped!
Later generations have directly blamed the weakness of the Song Dynasty on Zhao Er's (Emperor Zhao). Famous generals such as Di Qing, Zong Ze, and Yue Fei should have been honored with their achievements, but Zhao Er's brilliant move ruined everything. China was suppressed and beaten for hundreds of years, and in the end, the Mongols wiped out the entire territory.
Some argue that Zhao Kuangyin's acquisition of the throne was illegitimate, and his "releasing of military power over a cup of wine" incident led to the weakness of the Song Dynasty.
Regardless, this era was the most tragic for great generals.
Zong Ze was already 66 years old. Sitting in front of Zhao Huan, although Zhao Huan felt more at ease having such a great general, he couldn't help but feel that if Zong Ze fought for a few more years, he probably wouldn't be able to fight anymore and would have to hand it over to the younger generation.
That's a story for later. Zhao Huan asked calmly, "My lords, who would be the best candidate to serve as the Commander-in-Chief of Hebei?"
Li Gang said, "Your Majesty, the Western Army is the most elite army of our Great Song Dynasty. Among the Western Army, the Zhong family army has the strongest combat capability. I dare to suggest that Zhong Shizhong is the most suitable."
Zong Ze also said, "Your Majesty, since the founding of our dynasty, the Zhong family army has produced three generations of famous generals with outstanding military achievements. I also believe that Zhong Shizhong is suitable to serve as the leader."
Zhao Huan shook his head and said, "The Yao family and the Zhong family have always been at odds with each other. If Zhong Shizhong is appointed as the commander-in-chief, I'm afraid Yao Gu will jump up and down, which will lead to a passive march and harm the overall situation."
Judging from the emperor's words, he wanted to appoint a highly respected person who could stabilize the overall situation, and it could not be from the Zhong family or the Yao family.
Li Gang continued, "Your Majesty, if that's the case, Zhe Keqiu is very suitable."
The emperor shook his head again, while He Ye, who had remained silent until now, said, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, General Zong Rulin is very suitable!"
Upon hearing this, Zong Ze himself was slightly taken aback, and Li Gang frowned slightly.
Zong Ze had not yet established any military achievements, so how could he be suitable to be the commander-in-chief of Hebei? It just doesn't make sense!
Zhao Huan looked at He Ye with a serious expression and asked, "Minister He, tell me, why is Minister Zong suitable?"
This Commander-in-Chief of Hebei was no ordinary person; he was equivalent to the commander of three towns and was appointed to this critical mission during wartime.
"Your Majesty, when I first met General Zong, I felt that he resembled Lord Guan and was a divine figure among martial artists. Therefore, I dare to say that General Zong is the most suitable candidate."
Zhao Huan cursed inwardly: You son of a bitch! What?! I love people like you who lie through their teeth!
Upon hearing this, Li Gang immediately rebuked He Ye: "Censor He, as a subject, you actually use matters of ghosts and gods to curry favor with the emperor. This is an act that will bring disaster to the country!"
He was also told this by Li Gang, but he remained calm and unfazed, showing no signs of being bothered. His skin was truly thick to the extreme.
He Ye is now a loyal dog that Zhao Huan has placed in the court to disgust the ministers. Whoever Zhao Huan wants him to bite, he will not hesitate to open his sharp teeth and bite.
Similarly, it's obvious that the emperor intends to give Zong Ze a high position now. Otherwise, even though I'm the head of the Censorate and you, Li Gang, are the Privy Councilor, you still stand when you meet the emperor, while Zong Ze sits down.
This kind of treatment has never happened since the founding of the dynasty.
If I don't recommend Zong Ze, am I supposed to recommend Li Gang?
Li Gang, are you blind?! When the emperor asks you a question, does he really mean he wants your opinion?! This emperor already has someone in mind, but he's just being respectful and giving you face because you're the Privy Councilor, and you're acting like this?!
"Lord Li, you are mistaken. I was recommending talented generals to His Majesty. How could I be considered a sycophant?"
He Ye appeared righteous and indignant, but in his heart he was cursing: Li Gang, you idiot, don't be so ungrateful!
Zhao Huan glanced at Zong Ze and shamelessly said, "Hey, when I look at Minister Zong, I actually think he looks a lot like the Martial Saint. I think it's feasible!"
"Your Majesty, it is not that I have a prejudice against General Zong, but I feel that the position of Commander-in-Chief of Hebei is of great importance and should be filled by someone with military merit!"
Zong Ze also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, what Prime Minister Li said is very true. What virtue or ability do I have? If I were to sit in the position of Commander-in-Chief, I am afraid I would not be able to win the hearts of the people."
Zhao Huan tapped the table with his finger and said, "How about this, I appoint Zong Qing as the prefect of Cizhou. You should go to Cizhou immediately to organize troops and support Hebei!"
"Your Majesty, the Jurchen invaders will soon arrive in Bianjing. I am willing to stay in Bianjing to kill them!"
"I already have a brilliant plan to kill Wanyan Zongwang. You need not worry. Go to Hebei with peace of mind!"
Seeing Zhao Huan's confidence, Zong Ze dared not say anything more and immediately replied, "Your humble servant obeys!"
Zhao Huan then said, "If I wish to establish a new army, why not start with Minister Zong?"
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I am willing to give my life for you!"
Li Gang was speechless. He had no ulterior motives. In fact, historically, he had a good impression of Zong Ze after meeting him. His opposition to Zong Ze's appointment as the commander-in-chief of Hebei was indeed based solely on considerations of the matter itself.
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