When the ministers learned that the emperor was going to the northwest, they all came out to dissuade him.
Especially Xu Churen, how could the emperor not be present at such a crucial moment?
But Emperor Zhao Huan had already made up his mind, so he summoned Xie Dahai and set off with more than thirty experts.
Before he left, the Empress was still in charge of the country, assisted by the chief ministers.
In ancient times, there was no smog, and all the scenery was pristine.
Autumn is in full swing, the sky is an endless expanse of blue, and the trees along the roadside are ablaze with golden yellow.
A group of people traveled quickly and entered the territory of Yongxing Military Road a few days later.
Judging from the name, it is clear that this place is inextricably linked to military affairs. In fact, the name reflects the strategic positioning of this place by the Song Dynasty.
He and Qinfeng Road to the west both bordered the Western Xia Kingdom to the north, making it a key military strategic location in the northwest of the Song Dynasty, which was also Zhao Huan's northwest war zone.
The Song Dynasty had five major administrative regions, stretching from the westernmost to the easternmost point.
The westernmost part is the Longyou Protectorate, a place that was once part of the Han and Tang dynasties, but it did not initially belong to the Song dynasty. It was not until the third year of the Chongning era, which was twenty-five years ago, that the Song dynasty reclaimed it.
It was an administrative region in the northwest of the Song Dynasty.
To the east of the Longyou Protectorate are Qinfeng Road, Yongxingjun Road, Hedong Road, and Hebei Road.
This border defense division was also very clear: Qinfeng Road and Yongxingjun Road were responsible for dealing with the Western Xia, while Hedong Road and Hebei Road were responsible for defending against the Jin and Liao dynasties.
"Young master, we have reached Lantian. There is a post station ahead."
"Rest at the post station and fill your stomach before continuing your journey."
"yes!"
Before long, Zhao Huan arrived at the post station.
There were many people inside the inn, all of whom were eating meat and drinking alcohol heartily.
Judging from their clothing, they were soldiers from the local militia.
The Xiang Army was a local armed force in the Song Dynasty. Although it did not have the same equipment and treatment as the Imperial Guards, it was large in number and played a significant role in maintaining local security in the early stages.
However, by the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, the army had become corrupt, and the local militia had basically collapsed, turning into hooligans and bandits.
The post stations were built by the imperial court specifically for relaying military intelligence or for resting during business trips.
For example, if a high-ranking official of the imperial court was assigned to a local post as a military commissioner, he could rest at a post station along the way, where he could eat, drink and stay for free, with the expenses borne by the imperial court.
This was the first time Zhao Huan had ever seen such a bustling post station. How could this post station in the northwest be even more impressive than the post stations in the capital region?
It can accommodate more people and provides significantly more food and drinks.
Is this also one of the reasons why the administrative budget in the Northwest remains high?
Zhao Huan found a place to sit down, and the others stood guard around him.
Zhao Huan gestured for them to sit down as well, and Xie Dahai then allowed the Imperial Guards to sit down.
The Imperial Guards brought out this time are all the most skilled. Whether it's one-on-one combat or fighting in formation, they are all masters among masters.
The innkeeper was a thin man, tall and thin, named Wu Chang.
Upon seeing Zhao Huan's imposing manner, Wu Chang knew he must be an official and quickly came over, saying, "Please, sir, present the official document."
Xie Dahai took out the official document from his pocket and handed it to Wu Chang. Wu Chang was shocked when he saw it.
It turned out to be someone from the capital, and a fourth-rank official at that.
Officials of different ranks received different conditions when passing through post stations, and even the rooms they stayed in were different.
A fourth-rank official in the capital is far more powerful than a prefect in a local area.
Wu Chang hurriedly bowed and then immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare meat and wine.
Just then, the eyes of the soldiers drinking nearby kept glancing over, and they kept talking about Zhao Huan and the others.
"Hey guys, who's that pretty boy over there? He looks like he's got some connections!"
"I just asked Wu Chang, and he's someone from the capital!"
"Someone from the capital! No wonder he's so arrogant! He's probably the son of that corrupt official in the capital! Hahaha!"
"Shh... Keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear you!"
"What are you afraid of! Even if the prime minister comes to the Northwest, he'd better sit down and behave himself!"
A fat man with a big head and ears next to him laughed and said, "That's right, our boss is no ordinary person. He has connections that can reach the heavens in the Northwest. Who doesn't know Boss Lu!"
"Hahaha! That's right, that's right! That's why I said, even if the prime minister comes, he should sit down obediently!"
"..."
They looked this way with disdain.
The man called Boss Lu was only in his early thirties, with a long scar on his face. He called Wu Chang over, said a few words, and Wu Chang quickly shook his head.
Boss Lu said menacingly, "You don't even listen to me? Be careful, or I'll chop you up and feed you to the wild dogs!"
Wu Chang sighed and said nothing more.
Before long, the food and wine were served.
Xie Dahai was immediately enraged upon seeing this.
This kind of food and wine is probably better than what even a minor county magistrate would get if he passed by.
Zhao Huan gestured for him to sit down and finish his meal quickly so they could continue their journey.
Zhao Huan's time is precious. The Qilin Guard has already found clues in the Northwest. The reason why Zhao Huan is so eager to rush to the Northwest is that he wants to wipe out the enemy in one fell swoop!
He certainly wouldn't waste his time on such a minor character.
A guard nearby tested the food for poison and confirmed that it was safe for Zhao Huan, who then began to eat it heartily.
Without stopping along the way, Zhao Huan was really hungry and ate three large bowls of rice in one go.
Just then, several people suddenly entered from outside.
Zhao Huan turned his head and saw a woman dressed in coarse, tattered clothes, with a haggard face.
"Sir, please give me some food! I beg you! Give me some food, my child is starving!"
As soon as she came in, she rushed to one of the tables and grabbed the arm of a soldier.
"Get out of my way!" The soldier ruthlessly threw the woman aside.
The guards at the post station rushed over, intending to drive the woman out, as this was not a place where ordinary people could come and go as they pleased.
The woman was crying and banging her forehead until it bled.
"Please! Please! My child is starving to death!"
"Get out! Get out now!"
"Please..."
Just as the guards at the post station were about to send them away, Boss Lu suddenly said, "Wait!"
The guards immediately stopped.
Come here!
The woman seemed to have grasped at a straw, and rushed over, kneeling in front of Boss Lu, looking at him expectantly.
"Your Honor, please, I'll do anything you ask..."
"Anything is fine with me?" Boss Lu chuckled. "If you want food, take off your clothes and let us old men have some fun, and this bowl of rice is yours!"
His words caused everyone around him to burst into laughter.
Wu Chang, who was standing to the side, couldn't stand it, but he didn't dare to do anything about it.
This Boss Lu is no ordinary person; his backer is powerful and influential in Lantian.
These ordinary people are no different from ants in their presence.
The woman hesitated for a moment, then began to take off her clothes.
With a loud slam, Zhao Huan raised the bowl in his hand and slammed the rim onto the table, angrily shouting, "Who gave you the audacity!"
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