The soldiers had not yet been issued ammunition, so the guns in their hands could not be fired.
But they looked heroic and stood straight, walking slowly to a high platform outside the camp and forming neat rows.
Zhao Jun's convoy was also guarded by hundreds of people in front and behind.
The leading general, Ge Huaimin, came riding up with the military commanders Zhe Jimin, Wang Xin, Zhou Mei, and others. He stepped forward and bowed, saying, "I greet the chancellor, Prime Minister Fan, Prime Minister Zhang, and Minister Fu."
"Um."
Zhao Jun nodded and said, "Originally, the matter of mobilizing troops only requires an imperial edict from His Majesty and an order from the Privy Council, but I came here in person this time just to say a few words to you."
"yes."
Many generals stood up in awe and listened to Zhao Jun's instructions.
"Let's take the order first."
Zhao Jun took out the imperial edict.
The method of mobilizing the Song Dynasty's army remained unchanged, and it required orders from the emperor and the Privy Council.
So today they came here to convey this military order.
But Zhao Jun had some instructions to give personally, and secondly, he also wanted to support Di Qing.
Like Ge Huaimin and Zhao Zhen, Xu Huaide, Gao Jixuan, Liu Ping and others who are currently in the Northwest.
Each of them is a veteran in the army, born into a noble family. Their seniority is only slightly less than Wang Deyong's, but older than Zhang Kang's.
In contrast, Di Qing was a younger generation among younger generations. He only emerged during the Song-Xia War ten years ago and came from a very humble background. As the supreme commander, it was very likely that other generals would be dissatisfied.
Therefore, in order to prevent this kind of thing from happening, Zhao Jun must of course take precautions in advance.
He read out the decree.
Zhang Kang then took out the order from the Privy Council, and the entire procedure for mobilizing troops was completed.
Ge Huaimin took the imperial edict and the handwritten order and said respectfully, "I will obey your orders."
"alright."
Zhao Jun said, "I have already given you the imperial edict and the warrant. This time you are leading the army to the northwest, and I only have one mission for you."
Ge Huaimin looked happy, as he thought he would be taking up an important position this time.
Then, Zhao Jun said, "The court has decided to appoint Di Qing as the governor of Shaanxi Province, in charge of military affairs. You must obey his orders and not neglect them!"
Ge Huaimin's face froze, and he looked stunned and surprised.
According to convention, the chief military commander in the northwest must be a civilian official. Even if it was not Wang Yan or Fan Xian, it should have been Jingtai. How could it be Di Qing's turn?
Even if Di Qing was promoted to Deputy Privy Councilor because of his previous military achievements, it couldn't be him.
"Know the court and follow the rules"
"alright."
Zhao Jun interrupted him and said, "I know what you are going to say, but a general's duty is to follow orders. The court has already told Di Qing what to do. All you have to do is obey the orders."
Fan Zhongyan also said seriously: "The selection of Di Qing is something that the Minister of Justice, Zhang Xiang, and Fu Shangshu all agree on. Do you think you know more about military affairs than me and Zhang Xiang?"
"I dare not."
Ge Huaimin was shocked. He had not expected Fan Zhongyan and Zhang Kang to personally support him. Now he could only obey and say: "I will definitely follow Prime Minister Di's lead."
"Well, this time you absolutely must obey orders. If Di Qing makes a mistake, I will punish him, but if the Shaanxi generals disobey his orders and the strategy set by the court fails, then you will be held responsible."
Zhao Jun said seriously.
"yes."
Ge Huaimin responded solemnly.
"Alright, let's go! I hope you all will return victorious from this battle!"
Zhao Jun waved his hand and said.
"yes."
Ge Huaimin took a few steps back and bowed in their direction with the other generals.
Then he waved his hand and said, "Let's go to the northwest!"
"Walk!"
The generals shouted.
Then everyone mounted their horses and blew trumpets.
The huge army walked onto the official road in an orderly manner and headed towards the northwest.
Everyone stood in the morning sun, looking out at the mighty army.
Fan Zhongyan put his hands behind his back and said softly, "I hope the Han ministers will not let us down."
"Don't worry, he won't let us down."
Zhao Jun nodded.
Di Qing had previously gone to the northwest secretly, and his transfer order had not yet been issued.
But soon he will become the governor of Shaanxi Road.
This has never happened before.
However, this represents the court's trust in him.
Di Qing would not let this trust down.
"After this battle, Western Xia no longer exists."
Zhao Jun gazed calmly at the northwest sky and said, "Next year, I hope to see both inside and outside Yumen Pass become Han territory!"
(End of this chapter)
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