The deputy commander of the imperial guards and cavalry was Cao Cong, the uncle of Empress Cao.
The overall structure of the three yamen was a group of Zhao Zhen's relatives and old people in the vassal state, which ensured his safety.
The rest of the sons of military generals and nobles basically just lived a lazy life, collecting salaries and waiting to die. There were few descendants of founding heroes like Cao Cong who could go into battle and kill the enemy.
At this time, many descendants of founding generals gathered in the hall. They actually played by themselves on weekdays. Some of them were friends with each other, and some disliked each other. At the banquet, they naturally formed different circles.
As they were talking, they heard Wang Shouzhong say, "Your Majesty has arrived, the Magistrate has arrived!"
Everyone stood up quickly.
Zhao Zhen and Zhao Jun came in from the back hall. Zhao Zhen went to the main seat, while Zhao Jun went to Cao Cong's table.
"Your Majesty!"
Everyone bowed in greeting.
"No need to be polite!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Gentlemen, I have invited you all here today, firstly to reminisce about the past, and secondly, to discuss something."
Zhao Zhen pressed his hands down, motioning for everyone to sit down, and then said, "Let's have the banquet."
Wang Shouzhong waved to the back.
A moment later, many eunuchs came up with various delicious dishes.
But no one dared to pick up their chopsticks.
In fact, they have heard some rumors recently. Now the emperor wants them to bring their families into the palace and leave their wives and children in the back garden for a banquet, which really makes them feel uneasy.
However, no one suspected that Zhao Zhen wanted to murder them. Firstly, Zhao Zhen was indeed famous for his kindness. Secondly, they had no military power and could not threaten the imperial power.
So they just looked at the food and waited for what was to come.
"Eat it all."
Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "This is also a good thing for you gentlemen. Let's talk about it while we eat."
In his and Zhao Jun's opinion, with the Cao family as an example, it was probably almost certain.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Everyone looked at each other before starting to pick up their chopsticks.
Basically, they just moved a few times, took a few bites which tasted like chewing wax, and then looked at each other without saying anything else.
Seeing that everyone was relatively silent and quiet, Zhao Jun thought that everyone was afraid, so he stood up and said with a smile: "Everyone, let me toast you first!"
"The dean is polite."
"You're too polite, Dean."
"We would also like to offer a toast to the dean."
Everyone quickly stood up and returned the gift with their wine glasses.
Now everyone knows that Zhao Jun is in a high position and has great power. Who would dare to provoke a group of powerless nobles like them?
After drinking a glass of wine, Zhao Jun said in a loud voice: "Everyone, I came here today to discuss important matters with you, and I want to explain the pros and cons."
Everyone knew that the real business was about to begin, so they kept silent and just looked at him quietly.
Zhao Jun put down the wine glass in his hand, walked slowly into the hall, paced back and forth between several tables, and talked as he walked.
"I think everyone is aware of the severity of the Song Dynasty's military oversupply. The imperial court must spend at least 50 million strings of cash every year to meet the needs of the army. The burden is growing heavier and heavier, making it difficult for the court to breathe."
After Zhao Jun finished speaking, everyone's expression changed. Although they had guessed it in their hearts, they were still reluctant to mention this topic.
After all, in recent years, many civil servants in the court have also expressed opposition to the three redundancies problem, believing that the three redundancies are too heavy, resulting in the court having no money and no food, and the topic of reforming the three redundancies has also become a hot topic.
However, as the beneficiaries of the redundant soldiers, everyone naturally did not dare to speak out. Now that Zhao Jun had proposed, it was obvious that he wanted to take action against the three redundant soldiers, so everyone's face was solemn.
Zhao Jun continued, "In recent years, officials within the court have expressed dissent over the "three redundancies," but the court has held back from reforming them. This is because they know that everyone present, and even the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the camp, depend on it for their livelihoods."
After he finished speaking, everyone's face was mixed with light and dark, and they didn't know what to say.
Zhao Jun continued to pace back and forth in the hall, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke calmly, "Of course, this isn't your fault. Taizu once said, 'Life is short, fleeting.' It would be better for you to accumulate wealth, acquire fine land, and enjoy beautiful homes, and spend your remaining years surrounded by singing girls and dancing girls. That way, there would be no more suspicion between the ruler and his subjects, and both could be achieved."
"It can be said that the actions of your fathers and grandfathers were originally permitted by Taizu. However, times have changed. Back then, the army was not large, so the issue of redundant troops was only a minor problem. But now, it has become a major problem, and the court is forced to take action to address it."
After hearing this, someone immediately became restless. A middle-aged man in his fifties, with the appearance of a wealthy man, stood up with a big belly and asked, "May I ask the Minister, what does the court intend to do?"
"Who are you?"
Zhao Jun looked at him.
The man replied, "I am He Changling, a member of the Imperial Guards' Cavalry, a member of the Imperial Palace's Chongban, and a member of the Xiuwu Lang (Military Training Corps)."
Among these three official titles, the first is the commanding official, which is similar to the dispatched official in the civil service. The second is the rank official, which is similar to the stipend official in the civil service. The third is the position official, which is equivalent to the casual official in the civil service.
Zhao Jun looked at him with strange eyes. He was so fat and wanted to be a cavalryman. He would probably have a hard time breathing even when he mounted the horse.
However, he also knew this man. He was the grandson of He Jiyun, a famous general in the early Song Dynasty. He also married the daughter of Zhao Yuanzuo, the King of Qi. He was considered to be doing well among the nobles.
"Of course, we need to eliminate the old and weak soldiers in the army, as well as those who are unable to fight."
Zhao Jun replied, "Discipline in the army is now lagging. Many people leave the camp during the day to do business and return to sleep at night. They are not even soldiers, yet they receive salaries from the court. How can this be allowed?"
"Absolutely not, Your Majesty!"
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